Optometrist Hourly Pay in Aberdeen, SD: $59.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Aberdeen, SD runs $59.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $124,007 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Aberdeen's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $64.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,398 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Aberdeen, South Dakota, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to reach $59.61 in 2026, notably lower than the national median of $67.60. This difference in hourly compensation can significantly influence many professionals considering part-time or per-diem roles. Those opting for a part-time schedule of three days a week would earn a stable income while balancing other responsibilities or pursuits. Per-diem optometrists often find flexible work in varied settings such as private practices, retail optical chains, and VA outpatient clinics, with typical earnings ranging from $34.57 at entry level to $84.66 for top earners. These figures highlight both the earning potential and the varying demand for optometrists across different employment environments in the region.
About the Aberdeen Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.57 | $276.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.55 | $388.37 |
| Median (P50) | $59.61 | $476.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72.14 | $577.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84.66 | $677.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Aberdeen
Based on $59.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.61/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Aberdeen, SD can expect to earn approximately $123,997 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $71,537. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Aberdeen.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Aberdeen
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,384.55 | $10,333 | $123,997 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,430.73 | $6,200 | $74,398 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $953.82 | $4,133 | $49,599 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Aberdeen) | $59.61 |
| 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 Aberdeen, SD earn a median of $124,007 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.81% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 5.00% below the South Dakota state average of $130,534.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.61/hr = $74,398/year (purchasing power: $80,170).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $123,997/year (purchasing power: $133,617).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$48.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Aberdeen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $50.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Aberdeen grew 18.5% from $48.86/hr (2019) to $57.90/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $61.38/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 Aberdeen 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 Aberdeen
Exploring the nuances of part-time earnings reveals that an optometrist working three days a week might see their annual take-home significantly lower compared to full-timers, yet this flexibility can be attractive. Per diem opportunities in Aberdeen offer a range of daily rates; retail chains typically pay between $500 and $800, while OD/MD practices can go as high as $1,200 per day for fill-in roles. Notably, residency-trained professionals catering to ocular diseases can command hourly rates between $90 and $130. The diversity in hourly rates across employer types—from private practices to large retail chains or healthcare systems—illustrates the trade-offs between higher compensation and employee benefits. Some optometrists may choose to accept lower hourly pay in exchange for job security and health coverage, while others may pursue independent roles for higher pay without additional benefits. Negotiating hourly rates can involve advocating for specific qualifications or highlighting the value of expanded scopes of practice, which can enhance both job satisfaction and financial compensation in this evolving field.
More salary data for Aberdeen, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Aberdeen 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 Aberdeen. 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 Aberdeen 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