Optometrist Hourly Pay in Olive Branch, MS: $54.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Olive Branch, MS runs $54.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $114,014 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Olive Branch's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $63.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $68,410 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Olive Branch, Mississippi, the projected median hourly pay for an optometrist is $54.82, which reflects a noticeable difference compared to the national median of $67.60. This hourly rate can significantly impact those working part-time or per-diem; for instance, an optometrist working three days a week could find this wage accommodating while enjoying flexibility in their schedule. The range for hourly pay among optometrists in the area extends from $31.79 for entry-level positions to $77.52 for top earners. These figures, derived from annual salary data, indicate that while Olive Branch offers competitive compensation, the overall pay structure remains lower than the national average, highlighting the regional economic factors at play.
About the Olive Branch Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.79 | $254.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.34 | $354.76 |
| Median (P50) | $54.82 | $438.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65.97 | $527.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77.52 | $620.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Olive Branch
Based on $54.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $54.82/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Olive Branch, MS can expect to earn approximately $114,017 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $65,779. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Olive Branch.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Olive Branch
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,192.64 | $9,501 | $114,017 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,315.58 | $5,701 | $68,410 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $877.05 | $3,801 | $45,607 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Olive Branch) | $54.82 |
| 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 Olive Branch, MS earn a median of $114,014 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.92% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 5.40% below the Mississippi state average of $120,522.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $54.82/hr = $68,410/year (purchasing power: $79,825).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $114,017/year (purchasing power: $133,042).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$44.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$53.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$54.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Olive Branch (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $53.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56.44/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Olive Branch grew 18.5% from $44.93/hr (2019) to $53.24/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $56.44/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 Olive Branch 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 Olive Branch
In terms of part-time earnings, an optometrist working 24 hours per week in Olive Branch could bring home a substantial income, though less than those in full-time roles. Per-diem or locum tenens opportunities are also prevalent, with optometrists potentially earning $500-$800 per day at retail chains, and even higher rates of $700-$1,200 daily in OD/MD practice settings. Hourly rates can differ based on employer types; while private practices may offer stability and health benefits, retail optical chains often provide higher immediate pay without extensive benefits. Optometrists in Olive Branch may find themselves discussing these trade-offs when negotiating employment terms, especially with the current growth rate of 2.96% influencing hiring trends. It's essential to evaluate both the hourly rate and the associated benefits to make informed career decisions in this evolving field.
More salary data for Olive Branch, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Olive Branch in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Olive Branch?
Are optometrists in Olive Branch paid hourly or salary?
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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 Olive Branch. 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 Olive Branch 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