Optometrist Hourly Pay in Medford, OR: $67.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Medford, OR runs $67.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $140,923 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Medford's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $66.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,549 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Medford, Oregon, the projected optometrist hourly rate stands at $67.75, slightly above the national median of $67.60. This competitive hourly wage reflects the demand for optometrists in various settings, such as private exam rooms, retail optical chains, and VA outpatient clinics. For those working part-time, say three days a week, the pay translates into a substantial income while allowing flexibility for personal pursuits. Entry-level optometrists may earn around $39.30 per hour, while the most experienced can reach as high as $102.60 per hour. These figures are shaped by estimations from annual salary data, but they provide valuable insights into the profession's financial landscape and the opportunities available in Medford, OR.
About the Medford Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.30 | $314.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.90 | $439.19 |
| Median (P50) | $67.75 | $541.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.75 | $669.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102.60 | $820.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Medford
Based on $67.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.75/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Medford, OR can expect to earn approximately $140,915 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,297. With a cost-of-living index of 102.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Medford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Medford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,709.91 | $11,743 | $140,915 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,625.94 | $7,046 | $84,549 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,083.96 | $4,697 | $56,366 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Medford) | $67.75 |
| 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 Medford, OR earn a median of $140,923 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.22% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.30% below the Oregon state average of $144,241.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.75/hr = $84,549/year (purchasing power: $82,407).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $140,915/year (purchasing power: $137,344).
CoL index: 102.6 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$55.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Medford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $62.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $66.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Medford grew 18.5% from $55.53/hr (2019) to $65.80/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.75/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 Medford 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 Medford
Considering part-time optometrists working a typical schedule of 24 hours per week, they would earn approximately $78,768 annually, compared to their full-time counterparts who take home $140,923. Many optometrists opt for per-diem or agency positions, frequently billing between $500 to $800 per day at retail locations, with rates escalating to between $700 and $1,200 for those filling in at OD/MD practices. Residency-trained ocular disease professionals within hospital settings might command $90 to $130 per hour, showcasing a premium often associated with advanced training. Hourly rates in Medford vary significantly based on the type of employer—from private practices and retail optical chains like LensCrafters to military health systems and vision insurance providers like VSP. Some optometrists may accept lower hourly wages for the security of benefits, while others prefer higher pay without those perks. Understanding how to negotiate effectively can make a difference in securing a favorable arrangement tailored to one’s priorities and career goals.
More salary data for Medford, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Medford in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Medford?
Are optometrists in Medford paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Medford?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Medford?
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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 Medford. 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 Medford 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