Optometrist Hourly Pay in Santa Fe, NM: $64.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Santa Fe, NM runs $64.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $134,023 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Santa Fe's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $68.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,412 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The optometrist hourly pay in Santa Fe, NM, stands at a median of $64.43, which is slightly below the national average of $67.60. This rate reflects the demand for optometry services in various settings, including private practice exam rooms, retail optical chains, and VA outpatient clinics. For part-time optometrists working three days a week, this translates to a sustainable income, making it an appealing option for those balancing other commitments or pursuing advanced credentials. The hourly pay range for optometrists in Santa Fe varies significantly, from $37.37 for entry-level positions to as much as $95.58 for top earners in the field, illustrating the potential for growth based on experience and specialization.
About the Santa Fe Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.37 | $299.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.91 | $407.31 |
| Median (P50) | $64.43 | $515.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78.30 | $626.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95.58 | $764.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Fe
Based on $64.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.43/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Fe, NM can expect to earn approximately $134,019 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,319. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Santa Fe.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Fe
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,577.29 | $11,168 | $134,019 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,546.38 | $6,701 | $80,412 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,030.92 | $4,467 | $53,608 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Santa Fe) | $64.43 |
| 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 Santa Fe, NM earn a median of $134,023 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.69% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.00% above the New Mexico state average of $132,696.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.43/hr = $80,412/year (purchasing power: $85,182).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $134,019/year (purchasing power: $141,970).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Santa Fe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $58.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Santa Fe grew 18.5% from $52.81/hr (2019) to $62.58/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.34/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 Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe
Part-time optometrists, particularly those juggling clinical work alongside education or other interests, can expect to earn a solid income while working just 24 hours a week. By working this schedule, an optometrist could see reported earnings that surpass many full-time roles, driving annual return to around $90,000 depending on exact hours worked and clinic type. Per diem opportunities in Santa Fe offer a robust earning trajectory, with rates commonly ranging from $500 to $800 for retail chain fill-ins, while more specialized roles in OD/MD practices can yield $700 to $1,200 daily. For residency-trained ocular disease specialists, opportunities within hospital systems may provide earnings of $90 to $130 per hour. Differences in hourly pay often exist across employer types, with private practices generally offering lower rates compared to retail chains and hospital systems, which might justify accepting lower pay for securing healthcare benefits. For those negotiating their rates in Santa Fe, understanding this trade-off is essential in determining long-term career satisfaction and financial stability.
More salary data for Santa Fe, NM:
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 Santa Fe. 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 Santa Fe 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