Optometrist Hourly Pay in Webster Groves, MO: $58.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Webster Groves, MO runs $58.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $121,002 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Webster Groves's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $64.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $72,599 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Webster Groves, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to be $58.17 in 2026, which is notably below the national median hourly wage of $67.60. This hourly rate is quite relevant for part-time optometrists, especially those working three days a week, who can expect a stable income while maintaining a flexible schedule. For per-diem positions, optometrists in typical settings such as private exam rooms, retail chains, and university clinics can expect to find a competitive range that reflects their experience. The hourly wage varies significantly from $33.83 for entry-level optometrists to $79.19 for those at the top of the pay scale, offering a substantial earning opportunity for those who excel in the field.
About the Webster Groves 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) | $33.83 | $270.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.55 | $380.38 |
| Median (P50) | $58.17 | $465.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67.52 | $540.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79.19 | $633.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Webster Groves
Based on $58.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $58.17/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Webster Groves, MO can expect to earn approximately $120,999 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $69,807. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Webster Groves.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Webster Groves
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,326.90 | $10,083 | $120,999 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,396.14 | $6,050 | $72,599 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $930.76 | $4,033 | $48,399 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Webster Groves) | $58.17 |
| 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 Webster Groves, MO earn a median of $121,002 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.95% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 4.00% below the Missouri state average of $126,043.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $58.17/hr = $72,599/year (purchasing power: $81,026).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $120,999/year (purchasing power: $135,043).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$47.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$56.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$58.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Webster Groves (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $48.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $51.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $54.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $52.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $56.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Webster Groves grew 18.5% from $47.68/hr (2019) to $56.50/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $59.89/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 Webster Groves 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 Webster Groves
When considering part-time work, an optometrist in Webster Groves working three days a week may take home a significant income, earning roughly $72,450 annually. This is a conservative estimate compared to full-time colleagues. Per diem work offers even greater financial flexibility, as fill-in optometrists at retail locations can charge $500-$800 for a single day of work, while those stepping into OD/MD roles might earn between $700 and $1,200. The diverse range of employer settings—including private practices and large retail chains—affects hourly rates, with some likely valuing health insurance and benefits over higher pay. For many, the choice between slightly lower hourly rates with benefits and higher rates without them is a trade-off that requires careful consideration. Negotiation strategies often focus on highlighting specialized training, such as residency training, which can add significant value in this evolving field.
More salary data for Webster Groves, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Webster Groves in 2026?
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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 Webster Groves. 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 Webster Groves 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