Optometrist Hourly Pay in Midland, MI: $63.30 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Midland, MI runs $63.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $131,668 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Midland's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $67.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,998 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Midland, Michigan, the projected median optometrist hourly pay for 2026 stands at $63.30, which is approximately 6.36% lower than the national median of $67.60. This hourly rate reflects the earning potential for part-time and per-diem optometrists working in various settings, including private exam rooms, retail optical chains, and university clinics. For those working three days a week, this translates into a substantial hourly rate that allows flexibility without full-time commitments. Entry-level optometrists in the area may expect to earn around $36.85 per hour, while more experienced professionals can reach an impressive $90.77 per hour, indicating a robust compensation structure within this specialized field.
About the Midland Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.85 | $294.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.99 | $415.96 |
| Median (P50) | $63.30 | $506.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.94 | $615.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90.77 | $726.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Midland
Based on $63.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.30/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Midland, MI can expect to earn approximately $131,664 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,960. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Midland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Midland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,531.99 | $10,972 | $131,664 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,519.20 | $6,583 | $78,998 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,012.80 | $4,389 | $52,665 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Midland) | $63.30 |
| 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 Midland, MI earn a median of $131,668 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.36% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 4.40% below the Michigan state average of $137,728.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.30/hr = $78,998/year (purchasing power: $84,762).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $131,664/year (purchasing power: $141,270).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$51.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.30/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Midland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.30/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Midland grew 18.5% from $51.88/hr (2019) to $61.48/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.17/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 Midland 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 Midland
When considering part-time work, an optometrist working three days a week, totaling 24 hours, can expect to take home around $76,446 annually, compared to a full-time optometrist who typically earns considerably more. Per diem optometrists may bill between $500 and $800 daily at retail locations, while those filling in at OD/MD practices and hospital systems often command $700 to $1,200 per day. Understanding the varied hourly rates across different employment types is crucial; for example, retail chains such as Visionworks or Walmart Vision might offer lower pay but provide employee benefits, unlike solo practices that may pay higher rates without additional perks. Many optometrists in Midland weigh the hourly wage against the benefits of health insurance, retirement plans, and job stability when negotiating their pay. For those considering a per diem role, a strategic approach to negotiation, which reflects the local market dynamics and personal needs, is key to securing favorable compensation.
More salary data for Midland, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Midland. 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 Midland 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