Optometrist Hourly Pay in Prior Lake, MN: $65.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Prior Lake, MN runs $65.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $135,557 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Prior Lake's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,337 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Prior Lake, Minnesota, earn a median hourly rate of $65.17, which is slightly lower than the national median of $67.60. For optometrists working part-time—typically around three days a week—this rate translates effectively into their weekly earnings, making it an attractive option for those seeking a flexible work-life balance. Per-diem positions in various settings, including private practices, retail optical chains, and outpatient clinics, also reflect the flexibility of the profession. The hourly pay can vary significantly, with entry-level optometrists earning approximately $37.80 per hour, while those at the top of their field can reach $96.25. Understanding these hourly rates is crucial as many professionals estimate their financial prospects based on annual salaries, which can obscure earning potential on a more granular level.
About the Prior Lake 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) | $37.80 | $302.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.42 | $411.35 |
| Median (P50) | $65.17 | $521.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75.81 | $606.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96.25 | $769.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Prior Lake
Based on $65.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.17/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Prior Lake, MN can expect to earn approximately $135,561 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,208. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Prior Lake.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Prior Lake
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,606.95 | $11,297 | $135,561 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,564.17 | $6,778 | $81,337 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,042.78 | $4,519 | $54,225 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Prior Lake) | $65.17 |
| 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 Prior Lake, MN earn a median of $135,557 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.59% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.10% below the Minnesota state average of $138,465.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.17/hr = $81,337/year (purchasing power: $82,575).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $135,561/year (purchasing power: $137,626).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Prior Lake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Prior Lake grew 18.5% from $53.42/hr (2019) to $63.30/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.10/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 Prior Lake 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 Prior Lake
In analyzing part-time earnings, an optometrist working a typical 24-hour schedule over three days per week could take home around $81,046 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts but still competitive for flexible work arrangements. Per-diem optometrists, especially those filling in at retail chains, report varying daily rates depending on the practice setting, ranging from $500 to $1,200 for specialized roles, such as residency-trained ocular disease practitioners. The variation in hourly rates across different employer types reflects the trade-offs involved—some optometrists may choose lower-paying roles with benefits such as health insurance, while others pursue higher hourly pay in less stable, per diem positions. Negotiating factors like these are paramount for those in Prior Lake. Understanding the specifics of employer expectations, benefits packages, and market demand can empower optometrists to secure compensation that meets their financial needs.
More salary data for Prior Lake, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Prior Lake in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Prior Lake?
Are optometrists in Prior Lake paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Prior Lake?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Prior Lake?
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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 Prior Lake. 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 Prior Lake 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