Optometrist Hourly Pay in Hammond, LA: $57.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Hammond, LA runs $57.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $119,312 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Hammond's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $63.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $71,584 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hammond, Louisiana, the optometrist hourly pay stands at a median of $57.36, which is notably lower than the national median of $67.60. This divergence may affect part-time professionals working approximately three days a week, as they might earn around $1,000 weekly, equating to about $52,000 annually if they maintain a consistent schedule. The hourly range offers an entry-level pay of $34.23 for newly licensed optometrists, increasing to $81.09 per hour for experienced practitioners, reflecting the varied nature of the profession in the area. Jobs in settings such as retail optical chains, private practice exam rooms, or even university clinics often dictate these figures, with recent graduates landing on the lower end of the scale while licensed veterans command the top rates.
About the Hammond Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.23 | $273.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.57 | $380.54 |
| Median (P50) | $57.36 | $458.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68.40 | $547.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81.09 | $648.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hammond
Based on $57.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $57.36/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hammond, LA can expect to earn approximately $119,307 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $68,831. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hammond.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hammond
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,294.36 | $9,942 | $119,307 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,376.62 | $5,965 | $71,584 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $917.74 | $3,977 | $47,723 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Hammond) | $57.36 |
| 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 Hammond, LA earn a median of $119,312 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.15% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 6.00% below the Louisiana state average of $126,928.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $57.36/hr = $71,584/year (purchasing power: $79,274).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $119,307/year (purchasing power: $132,123).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$47.01/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$55.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$57.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Hammond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.01/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $48.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $55.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Hammond grew 18.5% from $47.01/hr (2019) to $55.71/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $59.06/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 Hammond 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 Hammond
Part-time optometrists aiming to balance work and life responsibilities in Hammond often face a critical choice regarding their earning potential. For example, a professional working a three-day week averages 24 hours, potentially realizing an annual income lower than full-time counterparts, who may regularly exceed $119,312. Meanwhile, per diem optometrists have a lucrative moment in mind, as they can charge daily rates between $500 and $1,200, depending on the setting, which can be appealing for those who prefer flexibility. Notably, private optometry practices may offer a lower hourly rate compared to retail chains but include benefits like health insurance—this trade-off is crucial for many optometrists seeking stability versus higher pay without fringe benefits. Understanding the various employer types, such as retail optical chains, ophthalmology practices, and VA clinics, as well as negotiating effectively, can significantly impact the compensation experience for optometrists in Hammond.
More salary data for Hammond, LA:
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 Hammond. 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 Hammond 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