Optometrist Hourly Pay in Columbia, MO: $61.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Columbia, MO runs $61.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $128,017 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Columbia's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $68.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,814 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbia, Missouri, the projected optometrist hourly pay stands at $61.55, which is notably lower than the national median of $67.60. This rate provides an interesting perspective for those considering part-time opportunities or per-diem positions. For example, an optometrist working three days a week at this hourly rate could expect to earn approximately $4,908 monthly, making it a viable option for those seeking a flexible work schedule. The hourly range for optometrists in Columbia varies significantly, from $35.70 for entry-level positions to $95.22 for top earners, reflecting the depth of experience and specialization within the field. These figures are indicative of the competitive yet accessible landscape for optometry professionals in both private practices and retail optical settings.
About the Columbia Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.70 | $285.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.15 | $377.16 |
| Median (P50) | $61.55 | $492.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.97 | $615.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95.22 | $761.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbia
Based on $61.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.55/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbia, MO can expect to earn approximately $128,023 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,859. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,461.98 | $10,669 | $128,023 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,477.19 | $6,401 | $76,814 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $984.79 | $4,267 | $51,209 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Columbia) | $61.55 |
| 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 Columbia, MO earn a median of $128,017 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.96% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.60% above the Missouri state average of $126,001.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.55/hr = $76,814/year (purchasing power: $85,730).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $128,023/year (purchasing power: $142,883).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$50.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $72.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Columbia grew 18.5% from $50.45/hr (2019) to $59.78/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.37/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 Columbia 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 Columbia
Part-time optometrists working in Columbia have the potential to earn a solid income by focusing on a three-day workweek, collecting around $58,896 annually if they maintain the hourly rate mentioned. For fill-in optometrists working on a per-diem basis, the earning possibilities expand even further. Many per diem optometrists typically bill around $500-$800 daily at retail chains and between $700-$1,200 per day at OD/MD practices. However, those looking to enter specialized areas, such as ocular disease within hospital systems, may find peaking at $90-$130 per hour more common. The diversity of employer types, from local private optometry practices to major retail optical chains, presents a unique variation in pay structures. Additionally, the choice between higher hourly rates without benefits or a slightly lower pay that includes health insurance is a significant consideration for many. When negotiating these roles, it’s advisable to research beforehand and weigh the pros and cons of compensation versus benefits to make a well-informed decision reflective of both personal and professional needs.
More salary data for Columbia, MO:
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 Columbia. 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 Columbia 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