Optometrist Hourly Pay in Zanesville, OH: $65.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Zanesville, OH runs $65.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $136,390 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Zanesville's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $72.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,838 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Zanesville, Ohio, optometrists are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $65.58 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $67.60. This rate is indicative of opportunities for part-time or per-diem positions frequently found in various settings, including private practices, retail optical chains, and university clinics. For instance, a part-time optometrist working three days a week could expect variable earnings, usually enjoying flexibility in their schedules while tapping into a broader client base. Entry-level positions might see hourly earnings around $38.03, while more experienced optometrists can earn upwards of $92.55 per hour. These estimates reflect a calculation based on annual salary figures, with adjustments for part-time or contract roles.
About the Zanesville 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) | $38.03 | $304.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.93 | $423.45 |
| Median (P50) | $65.58 | $524.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77.38 | $619.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92.55 | $740.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Zanesville
Based on $65.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.58/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Zanesville, OH can expect to earn approximately $136,396 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,690. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Zanesville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Zanesville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,623.01 | $11,366 | $136,396 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,573.81 | $6,820 | $81,838 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,049.20 | $4,547 | $54,559 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Zanesville) | $65.58 |
| 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 Zanesville, OH earn a median of $136,390 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.00% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.70% below the Ohio state average of $137,352.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.58/hr = $81,838/year (purchasing power: $90,229).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $136,396/year (purchasing power: $150,382).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Zanesville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.75/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.30/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Zanesville grew 18.5% from $53.75/hr (2019) to $63.69/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.52/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 Zanesville 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 Zanesville
Considering the nature of employment in Zanesville, part-time optometrists could take home approximately $80,000 annually for a 24-hour work week, providing a different financial picture compared to full-timers. Per-diem or locum tenens optometrists often find lucrative options, with rates ranging from $500 to $800 per day at retail locations, and $700 to $1,200 per day in ophthalmology practices. Furthermore, the hourly compensation can vary considerably across different employer types; private practices, retail chains, and VA medical centers may offer distinct packages based on experience and specialty. Health benefits are a significant factor in deciding where to work, prompting some professionals to accept a lower hourly rate for comprehensive coverage, while others may prefer higher pay without benefits for the sake of independence. Negotiating effectively is essential; understanding local market trends in Zanesville can empower optometrists to advocate for fair compensation, especially as the field evolves with expanded scopes of practice and advancing technologies.
More salary data for Zanesville, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Zanesville in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Zanesville?
Are optometrists in Zanesville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Zanesville?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Zanesville?
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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 Zanesville. 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 Zanesville 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