Optometrist Hourly Pay in Cottage Grove, MN: $65.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Cottage Grove, MN runs $65.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $136,696 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Cottage Grove's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,018 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cottage Grove, MN, the median hourly pay for an optometrist stands at $65.72, slightly below the national median of $67.60 per hour. This hourly rate accommodates the financial needs of various work arrangements, including part-time and per-diem positions, which are common in this field. An optometrist working three days a week can expect to leverage this rate effectively, benefiting from flexible schedules in settings such as private practices, retail chains, or university clinics. With hourly wages ranging from $38.12 at the entry level to $91.93 for top earners, the local market provides opportunities for both new graduates and seasoned professionals alike. These hourly figures are derived from estimated annual salaries and reflect the evolving landscape of eye care practices in Cottage Grove and beyond.
About the Cottage Grove Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.12 | $304.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.53 | $420.24 |
| Median (P50) | $65.72 | $525.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77.06 | $616.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91.93 | $735.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cottage Grove
Based on $65.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.72/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cottage Grove, MN can expect to earn approximately $136,696 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,863. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cottage Grove.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cottage Grove
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,628.77 | $11,391 | $136,696 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,577.26 | $6,835 | $82,018 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,051.51 | $4,557 | $54,679 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Cottage Grove) | $65.72 |
| 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 Cottage Grove, MN earn a median of $136,696 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.78% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.30% below the Minnesota state average of $138,496.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.72/hr = $82,018/year (purchasing power: $83,267).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $136,696/year (purchasing power: $138,778).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.83/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Cottage Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.83/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.66/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Cottage Grove grew 18.5% from $53.87/hr (2019) to $63.83/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.66/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 Cottage Grove 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 Cottage Grove
Examining the potential earnings further clarifies the financial prospects for part-time optometrists and per-diem positions. For instance, an optometrist working 24 hours a week at the median rate sees a significant difference in annual income compared to full-time colleagues. In Cottage Grove, per diem optometrists typically charge between $500 and $800 per day at retail locations, while those in OD/MD practices may earn from $700 to $1,200 daily. Residency-trained professionals may command $90 to $130 per hour, showcasing the demand for specialized skills. Employment settings vary widely, with hourly rates differing between private practices, corporate chains, and specialized clinics. Some optometrists might accept lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others prefer higher pay for flexible, benefits-free models. Navigating these options effectively can enhance one's earning potential, suggesting that strategy is as important as skill in the current marketplace for optometrists in Cottage Grove.
More salary data for Cottage Grove, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Cottage Grove in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Cottage Grove?
Are optometrists in Cottage Grove paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Cottage Grove?
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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 Cottage Grove. 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 Cottage Grove 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