Optometrist Hourly Pay in Ponca City, OK: $55.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Ponca City, OK runs $55.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $116,137 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Ponca City's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.9, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $62.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $69,682 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Ponca City, Oklahoma, earn a median hourly pay of $55.84, which falls significantly below the national hourly median of $67.60. This rate reflects the economic conditions unique to the region, including a cost of living index of 88.9, indicating affordability compared to the national average. For part-time optometrists working three days a week, or those in per-diem roles, this hourly rate still allows for a competitive income, especially when delivered in settings ranging from private exam rooms to retail optical chains and VA outpatient clinics. The hourly pay ranges from $34.05 for entry-level positions to $77.88 for experienced optometrists in their field, making it a viable option for professionals seeking flexible employment opportunities.
About the Ponca City Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.05 | $272.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.79 | $374.28 |
| Median (P50) | $55.84 | $446.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65.80 | $526.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77.88 | $623.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ponca City
Based on $55.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $55.84/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ponca City, OK can expect to earn approximately $116,137 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $67,002. With a cost-of-living index of 88.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ponca City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ponca City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,233.41 | $9,678 | $116,137 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,340.04 | $5,807 | $69,682 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $893.36 | $3,871 | $46,455 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Ponca City) | $55.84 |
| 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 Ponca City, OK earn a median of $116,137 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.41% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 7.10% below the Oklahoma state average of $125,013.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $55.84/hr = $69,682/year (purchasing power: $78,383).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $116,137/year (purchasing power: $130,638).
CoL index: 88.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$45.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$54.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$55.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Ponca City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $49.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $54.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Ponca City grew 18.5% from $45.76/hr (2019) to $54.23/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $57.49/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 Ponca City 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 Ponca City
When considering annual earnings, a part-time optometrist working 24 hours a week in Ponca City generates a lower but manageable income compared to full-time peers, which many optometrists find appealing for work-life balance. Per diem and fill-in optometrists commanding daily rates typically see significant variations: while retail optical chains may pay between $500 and $800 per day, OD/MD practice positions often range from $700 to $1,200. This split in income potential highlights the significance of employer type when negotiating pay. Optometrists employed by private practices or retail chains might accept lower hourly rates for benefits such as insurance and retirement plans, while others might prioritize higher hourly wages without health coverage. To navigate these circumstances effectively, it’s advisable for practitioners to research local pay standards, assess comprehensive compensation packages, and hone negotiation skills that consider both hourly rates and overall job satisfaction.
More salary data for Ponca City, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Ponca City in 2026?
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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 Ponca City. 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 Ponca City 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