Optometrist Hourly Pay in Overland Park, KS: $62.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Overland Park, KS runs $62.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $129,906 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Overland Park's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $68.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,945 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Overland Park, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to be $62.46 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $67.60. For professionals in this field working part-time, such as those employed three days a week, the hourly wage becomes especially significant, allowing them to balance work-life considerations with financial needs. The hourly pay spectrum ranges from $36.22 for entry-level positions to $96.80 for seasoned optometrists, indicative of the profession's earning potential as careers progress. These figures are especially relevant for those working in a variety of settings, including private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and VA outpatient clinics in Overland Park, where the work environments and typical schedules might vary significantly, influencing hourly compensation rates.
About the Overland Park 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) | $36.22 | $289.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.86 | $382.85 |
| Median (P50) | $62.46 | $499.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75.62 | $604.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96.80 | $774.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Overland Park
Based on $62.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.46/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Overland Park, KS can expect to earn approximately $129,908 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,947. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Overland Park.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Overland Park
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,498.22 | $10,826 | $129,908 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,498.93 | $6,495 | $77,945 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $999.29 | $4,330 | $51,963 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Overland Park) | $62.46 |
| 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 Overland Park, KS earn a median of $129,906 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.61% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.60% above the Kansas state average of $127,860.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.46/hr = $77,945/year (purchasing power: $85,748).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $129,908/year (purchasing power: $142,913).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$51.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Overland Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.21/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Overland Park grew 18.5% from $51.19/hr (2019) to $60.66/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.30/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 Overland Park 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 Overland Park
Considering part-time roles, an optometrist working 24 hours a week in Overland Park may earn approximately $64,204 annually, which is substantially less than their full-time counterparts. The per diem optometrist pay in Overland Park presents another avenue for income, with work at retail chains or filling in at OD/MD practices yielding daily rates of $500 to $1,200, translating effectively into a lucrative hourly rate. Across employer types, hourly rates can vary widely, with those employed by private practices or VSP vision plans generally seeing lower compensation compared to retail optical chains and hospital systems. Some optometrists may choose to accept lower hourly wages for full-time work with benefits as opposed to higher rates without them. Negotiating effectively in this market involves understanding the balance between compensation, work benefits, and preferred schedules. With the evolving scope of practice in optometry, including the ability to manage glaucoma and prescribe oral medications, those newly entering the field can position themselves favorably amidst changing opportunities in KS.
More salary data for Overland Park, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Overland Park in 2026?
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Are optometrists in Overland Park paid hourly or salary?
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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 Overland Park. 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 Overland Park 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