Optometrist Hourly Pay in Waukee, IA: $58.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Waukee, IA runs $58.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $121,613 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Waukee's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $64.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $72,972 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waukee, Iowa, the projected hourly pay for optometrists stands at $58.47, which contrasts with the national median of $67.60. This level of compensation has significant implications for those considering part-time or per-diem roles. Part-time optometrists working three days a week can expect to earn a stable income while enjoying a flexible schedule, making it an appealing option for those balancing other commitments. Per-diem optometrists, often filling in at private exam rooms, retail settings, or hospital systems, can command varying rates depending on the job environment, spanning from $33.92 for entry-level positions to $79.29 for top earners in the field. These hourly rates are derived from annual salary data, reflecting the regional economic conditions and costs of living in Waukee, which is slightly below the national average.
About the Waukee Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.92 | $271.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.50 | $379.96 |
| Median (P50) | $58.47 | $467.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67.51 | $540.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79.29 | $634.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waukee
Based on $58.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $58.47/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waukee, IA can expect to earn approximately $121,620 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $70,165. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waukee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waukee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,338.84 | $10,135 | $121,620 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,403.30 | $6,081 | $72,972 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $935.54 | $4,054 | $48,648 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Waukee) | $58.47 |
| Dentist, General (National Avg) | $79.54 |
| Pharmacist (National Avg) | $66.51 |
| Opticians, Dispensing (National Avg) | $21.11 |
| Physician Assistant (National Avg) | $64.13 |
Optometrists in Waukee, IA earn a median of $121,613 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.51% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 4.30% below the Iowa state average of $127,078.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $58.47/hr = $72,972/year (purchasing power: $80,721).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $121,620/year (purchasing power: $134,535).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$47.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$56.79/hr
2026 Current Est.
$58.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Waukee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $51.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $52.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $54.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $56.79/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Waukee grew 18.5% from $47.92/hr (2019) to $56.79/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $60.20/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem optometrists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waukee metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.96% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Optometrist in Waukee
Exploring the earning potential for part-time optometrists reveals that a three-day workweek typically translates to an annual income of around $73,920 based on a 24-hour work schedule. This is notably less than what full-time optometrists make but allows for a desirable work-life balance. Per-diem and locum optometrists in Waukee might often bill $500 to $1,200 per day depending on the facility type, with higher rates usually found in hospital systems for residency-trained ocular disease specialists. Moreover, hourly rates can vary significantly based on the practice environment: private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and ophthalmology practices have different pay scales, reflecting the demand for services and operational overheads. While some optometrists may accept lower hourly rates at retail chains for benefits like health insurance, others prioritize higher wages without benefits in independent roles. For those engaged in hourly work, negotiating based on local market rates and demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of various practice environments can lead to more favorable compensation in Waukee.
More salary data for Waukee, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Waukee in 2026?
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Written by Aisha Patel, OD
Career Analyst
Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for optometrists in Waukee. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Waukee is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.96%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for optometrists (SOC 29-1041).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov