Optometrist Hourly Pay in Cuyahoga Falls, OH: $66.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Cuyahoga Falls, OH runs $66.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $137,853 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Cuyahoga Falls's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $73.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,712 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to reach $66.28 in 2026, positioning it slightly below the national hourly median of $67.60. This rate provides a solid foundation for various work schedules, particularly for part-time optometrists who may opt to work three days a week. For example, those working just 24 hours might bring in $83,427 annually if they maintain this schedule consistently. The hourly pay structure in Cuyahoga Falls ranges considerably, with entry-level positions starting around $38.43 and top earners approaching $95.12 per hour. Such figures are derived from annual salary data, distinguishing how pay varies significantly depending on experience and the type of practice setting, including private optometry offices, retail optical chains, and specialized clinics.
About the Cuyahoga Falls Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.43 | $307.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.90 | $415.22 |
| Median (P50) | $66.28 | $530.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78.63 | $629.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95.12 | $761.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cuyahoga Falls
Based on $66.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.28/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cuyahoga Falls, OH can expect to earn approximately $137,853 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,530. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cuyahoga Falls.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cuyahoga Falls
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,651.01 | $11,488 | $137,853 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,590.61 | $6,893 | $82,712 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,060.41 | $4,595 | $55,141 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Cuyahoga Falls) | $66.28 |
| 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 Cuyahoga Falls, OH earn a median of $137,853 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.96% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.40% above the Ohio state average of $137,304.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.28/hr = $82,712/year (purchasing power: $91,193).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $137,853/year (purchasing power: $151,988).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$54.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Cuyahoga Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Cuyahoga Falls grew 18.5% from $54.32/hr (2019) to $64.37/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.24/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 Cuyahoga Falls 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 Cuyahoga Falls
While the hourly earnings for an optometrist in Cuyahoga Falls can be lucrative, particularly for those considering part-time work, many choose per-diem roles for flexibility. Professionals in such positions can earn between $500-$800 per day at retail locations, with agency or locum tenens roles ranging from $700 to $1,200 for OD/MD practices. Residency-trained optometrists focusing on ocular disease and working within hospital systems may command higher rates, averaging $90-$130 per hour. Even though lower hourly wages might be accepted at locations offering benefits like health insurance, the allure of higher pay without such perks is a compelling choice for many. For those negotiating hourly rates, emphasizing expertise in advanced practices may yield better compensation, especially in an environment like Cuyahoga Falls, where diverse employer types—including retail chains and VA medical centers—create varying compensation structures and opportunities.
More salary data for Cuyahoga Falls, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Cuyahoga Falls in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Cuyahoga Falls?
Are optometrists in Cuyahoga Falls paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Cuyahoga Falls?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Cuyahoga Falls?
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Career Resources
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 Cuyahoga Falls. 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 Cuyahoga Falls 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