Optometrist Hourly Pay in Ann Arbor, MI: $66.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Ann Arbor, MI runs $66.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $137,730 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Ann Arbor's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.9, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $65.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,635 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Ann Arbor, Michigan, optometrists can expect a median hourly pay of $66.21, which is slightly below the national median of $67.60. This hourly wage opens up various earning possibilities for professionals in the field, especially those considering part-time or per-diem work. For instance, an optometrist working three days a week would earn a solid income while maintaining a flexible schedule. The hourly rates here range from $42.62 at the entry-level (10th percentile) to as high as $113.20 for experienced practitioners in the top 90th percentile. These figures, drawn from 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, reflect the earnings potential across diverse practice settings, such as private optometry offices, retail optical chains, and VA outpatient clinics.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42.62 | $340.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60.46 | $483.66 |
| Median (P50) | $66.21 | $529.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78.38 | $627.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $113.20 | $905.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ann Arbor
Based on $66.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.21/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ann Arbor, MI can expect to earn approximately $137,724 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,456. With a cost-of-living index of 100.88 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Ann Arbor.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ann Arbor
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,648.54 | $11,477 | $137,724 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,589.13 | $6,886 | $82,635 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,059.42 | $4,591 | $55,090 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Ann Arbor) | $66.21 |
| 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 Ann Arbor, MI earn a median of $137,730 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.05% lower than the national median of $140,612.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.21/hr = $82,635/year (purchasing power: $81,914).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $137,724/year (purchasing power: $136,523).
CoL index: 100.88 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$63.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+7.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Ann Arbor (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $62.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $62.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Ann Arbor grew 1.3% from $63.47/hr (2019) to $64.31/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.17/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 Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor
Considering part-time placements, an optometrist working 24 hours a week in Ann Arbor could potentially bring home an annual salary significantly lower than a full-time colleague, yet still reap adequate rewards without being tied to a traditional workweek. Per diem optometrists holding positions at retail chains often secure daily bills ranging from $500 to $800, while those in specialty practices may earn between $700 and $1,200 per day. Residency-trained ocular disease ODs find themselves in an even more lucrative position, commanding $90 to $130 per hour in hospital settings. It's crucial to recognize the employer type influences earning potential, with private practices and optical chains often providing different hourly compensation packages. Many optometrists weigh the trade-off between higher hourly rates at practices without benefits against lower rates that offer health insurance and job security. For those seeking positions in Ann Arbor, practical negotiation strategies can make a difference in securing a favorable rate within this dynamic market.
More salary data for Ann Arbor, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Ann Arbor in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Ann Arbor?
Are optometrists in Ann Arbor paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Ann Arbor?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Ann Arbor?
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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 Ann Arbor. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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