Optometrist Hourly Pay in Kenner, LA: $59.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Kenner, LA runs $59.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $124,401 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Kenner's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,642 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the optometrist hourly pay in Kenner, Louisiana, is projected to be $59.81, falling below the national hourly median of $67.60. This rate provides a solid opportunity for both part-time and per-diem workers in various settings, including private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains, and outpatient clinics. For those opting for a part-time schedule of three days a week, the financial stability offered by this hourly rate can be quite appealing, especially in a market with an hourly range stretching from $34.69 for entry-level positions to $91.08 for top earners. Given the diverse working environments that an optometrist might find themselves in—their earnings can significantly depend on the establishment they choose, reflecting the overall demand for eye care services in the region.
About the Kenner 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) | $34.69 | $277.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.68 | $389.44 |
| Median (P50) | $59.81 | $478.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74.10 | $592.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91.08 | $728.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kenner
Based on $59.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.81/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kenner, LA can expect to earn approximately $124,404 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $71,771. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kenner.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kenner
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,392.38 | $10,367 | $124,404 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,435.43 | $6,220 | $74,642 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $956.95 | $4,147 | $49,761 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Kenner) | $59.81 |
| 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 Kenner, LA earn a median of $124,401 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.53% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.00% below the Louisiana state average of $126,940.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.81/hr = $74,642/year (purchasing power: $82,660).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $124,404/year (purchasing power: $137,767).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$49.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Kenner (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $50.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Kenner grew 18.5% from $49.02/hr (2019) to $58.09/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $61.58/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 Kenner 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 Kenner
Exploring the part-time earning potential further, an optometrist working 24 hours a week could earn significantly compared to a full-time counterpart, depending on the specific hourly scenario. Per diem optometrists frequently use their flexibility; they can command a daily rate of $500 to $800 at retail chains, while those filling in at specialized practices can make between $700 to $1,200 per day. Additionally, residency-trained ocular disease optometrists can actually see compensation as high as $90 to $130 per hour working in hospital systems. The hourly rates and overall financial outcomes can vary greatly based on employer types in Kenner, such as private practices, retail chains like LensCrafters, and large ophthalmology offices. This variability often leads to a trade-off, where some optometrists accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others prioritize higher pay without such benefits. Optometrists in Kenner could consider negotiating based on local demand or their specialized training to enhance their pay structure effectively.
More salary data for Kenner, 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 Kenner. 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 Kenner 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