Optometrist Hourly Pay in Elizabethtown, KY: $59.00 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Elizabethtown, KY runs $59.00 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $122,711 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Elizabethtown's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $73,627 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elizabethtown, Kentucky, the optometrist hourly pay stands at a median of $59.00, which trails behind the national median of $67.60 per hour. This pay level is reflective not only of the local economy but also of the various work environments where optometrists practice, including private offices, retail optical chains, and hospitals. For part-time optometrists working approximately three days a week, this hourly rate can translate into a sustainable income, allowing for flexibility in their work-life balance. The hourly pay varies significantly, ranging from $34.21 for entry-level positions to $86.96 for seasoned professionals. Such figures are derived from broader annual salary estimates, providing a range that covers the diverse experiences within the profession.
About the Elizabethtown Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.21 | $273.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.43 | $371.48 |
| Median (P50) | $59.00 | $471.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68.52 | $548.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86.96 | $695.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elizabethtown
Based on $59.00/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.00/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elizabethtown, KY can expect to earn approximately $122,712 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $70,795. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Elizabethtown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elizabethtown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,359.84 | $10,226 | $122,712 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,415.91 | $6,136 | $73,627 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $943.94 | $4,090 | $49,085 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Elizabethtown) | $59.00 |
| 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 Elizabethtown, KY earn a median of $122,711 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.73% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.30% below the Kentucky state average of $125,600.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.00/hr = $73,627/year (purchasing power: $82,449).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $122,712/year (purchasing power: $137,415).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$47.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.00/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Elizabethtown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $52.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.00/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Elizabethtown grew 19.8% from $47.82/hr (2019) to $57.30/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $60.74/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 Elizabethtown 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 Elizabethtown
When considering part-time work, an optometrist in Elizabethtown might earn around $54,912 annually if working 24 hours a week. In contrast, per diem optometrists often see advantages in supplementing their income; they can earn between $500 and $800 per day at retail chains and up to $1,200 for fill-in roles at OD/MD practices. Optometrists employed in varying settings experience differences in hourly pay, with private practices typically offering a steady, albeit sometimes lower, rate compared to the potentially lucrative per-diem opportunities. However, while higher hourly wages can be appealing, these roles often lack benefits such as health insurance—making individuals weigh their priorities carefully. Negotiating effectively is crucial; optometrists should be prepared to discuss their unique skill sets, especially if they hold residency training, as this can enhance their bargaining power in Elizabethtown’s competitive job market.
More salary data for Elizabethtown, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Elizabethtown in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Elizabethtown?
Are optometrists in Elizabethtown paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Elizabethtown?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Elizabethtown?
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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 Elizabethtown. 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 Elizabethtown 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