Optometrist Hourly Pay in Plymouth, MN: $65.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Plymouth, MN runs $65.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $137,069 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Plymouth's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,236 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Plymouth, Minnesota, optometrists earn a median hourly pay of $65.89, which is slightly below the national median of $67.60. This hourly pay reflects the growing demand for eye care services and provides an attractive opportunity for both full-time and part-time workers. Those choosing a part-time schedule, such as three days per week, could anticipate a decent income while achieving a better work-life balance. The hourly pay range in Plymouth is broad, with entry-level optometrists earning approximately $38.22 per hour at the 10th percentile, while more experienced professionals can earn as high as $95.08 per hour at the 90th percentile. These estimates are based on annual salary data projected for 2026 and indicate that multiple settings—ranging from private practices to retail optical chains—offer different compensation structures.
About the Plymouth 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) | $38.22 | $305.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.42 | $435.40 |
| Median (P50) | $65.89 | $527.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78.49 | $627.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95.08 | $760.67 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Plymouth
Based on $65.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.89/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Plymouth, MN can expect to earn approximately $137,060 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,073. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Plymouth.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Plymouth
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,635.78 | $11,422 | $137,060 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,581.47 | $6,853 | $82,236 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,054.31 | $4,569 | $54,824 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Plymouth) | $65.89 |
| 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 Plymouth, MN earn a median of $137,069 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.52% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.00% below the Minnesota state average of $138,453.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.89/hr = $82,236/year (purchasing power: $83,489).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $137,060/year (purchasing power: $139,148).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$54.01/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Plymouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.01/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Plymouth grew 18.5% from $54.01/hr (2019) to $64.00/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.84/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 Plymouth 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 Plymouth
For those considering part-time roles in Plymouth, it’s useful to analyze the annual income for a three-day-a-week optometrist. This arrangement typically translates to about 24 hours per week, amounting to around $82,485 annually, significantly less than a full-time commitment. Additionally, many optometrists may seek per diem work opportunities that can yield higher daily payments, particularly when filling in at retail chains or specialized practices. Rates often range from $500 to $800 per day, and ocular disease specialists may demand even more at hospital systems, charging $90 to $130 per hour as independent contractors. Variability in compensation can also stem from the type of employer, where optometrists in private practices may receive lower hourly pay compared to those in ophthalmology settings or retail chains. While some may prefer the security of an employed position with benefits, the decision often comes down to whether higher hourly rates without benefits align with their financial goals, particularly in a market where optometry’s scope is continuously evolving. Negotiating hourly rates in Plymouth requires insight into the local market and current demand for optometry services.
More salary data for Plymouth, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Plymouth in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Plymouth?
Are optometrists in Plymouth paid hourly or salary?
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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 Plymouth. 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 Plymouth 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