Optometrist Hourly Pay in Lawrence, KS: $62.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Lawrence, KS runs $62.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $129,247 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Lawrence's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $68.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,546 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lawrence, Kansas, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to be $62.14 in 2026, which falls below the national median of $67.60. This hourly rate provides opportunities for both part-time and per-diem work across various settings, from private optometry practices to retail chains and outpatient clinics. For those considering a part-time schedule, working three days a week might yield an annual income significantly lower than full-time counterparts, but the flexibility can be attractive. Those entering the field can expect to earn around $36.04 per hour, while top earners in the region can command rates as high as $90.10 per hour, reflecting their experience and specialization, especially when practicing in more lucrative practices such as ocular disease facilities or VA clinics.
About the Lawrence Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.04 | $288.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.58 | $412.66 |
| Median (P50) | $62.14 | $497.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74.27 | $594.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90.10 | $720.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lawrence
Based on $62.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.14/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lawrence, KS can expect to earn approximately $129,244 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,564. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lawrence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lawrence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,485.45 | $10,770 | $129,244 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,491.27 | $6,462 | $77,546 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $994.18 | $4,308 | $51,697 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Lawrence) | $62.14 |
| 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 Lawrence, KS earn a median of $129,247 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.08% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.10% above the Kansas state average of $127,840.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.14/hr = $77,546/year (purchasing power: $85,309).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $129,244/year (purchasing power: $142,182).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$50.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $54.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Lawrence grew 18.5% from $50.93/hr (2019) to $60.35/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.98/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 Lawrence 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 Lawrence
For optometrists looking at part-time positions, working 24 hours a week can result in an annual take-home significantly lower than what full-timers make, often leading to discussions around supplemental income opportunities or negotiating hourly rates for fill-in work. Per diem optometrist pay in Lawrence varies considerably; retail optical chains often offer rates between $500 to $800 per day, while those in OD/MD practices can earn anywhere from $700 to $1,200 per day. Factors like location, practice type, and whether an optometrist is residency-trained can influence these hourly rates significantly. While some professionals may opt for lower pay in order to receive health benefits from employment at a larger practice, others may prioritize higher hourly rates available in community settings with fewer benefits. Understanding the market dynamics can aid in negotiations; leveraging one's education from AOA-accredited programs or residency training can enhance bargaining power, especially as patient care expands to include new treatment modalities like glaucoma management or minor surgical procedures.
More salary data for Lawrence, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Lawrence. 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 Lawrence 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