Optometrist Hourly Pay in Cookeville, TN: $60.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Cookeville, TN runs $60.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $126,278 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Cookeville's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $75,773 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cookeville, TN, the optometrist hourly pay stands at a median rate of $60.72, which is notably lower than the national median of $67.60. This figure reflects the opportunities available not only for full-time positions in established private practices or retail chain locations but also for part-time and per-diem roles that allow for flexibility. Those working part-time, such as three days a week, can find themselves earning a competitive income while still enjoying work-life balance. The hourly range for optometrists in Cookeville is projected between $35.21 for entry-level positions and up to $86.20 for top earners. These estimates, derived from annual salary data for 2026, help contextualize the financial landscape for optometrists operating in various settings, including optometry exam rooms, mall retail locations, and VA outpatient clinics.
About the Cookeville Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.21 | $281.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.42 | $395.37 |
| Median (P50) | $60.72 | $485.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72.14 | $577.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86.20 | $689.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cookeville
Based on $60.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.72/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cookeville, TN can expect to earn approximately $126,288 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,859. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cookeville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cookeville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,428.62 | $10,524 | $126,288 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,457.17 | $6,314 | $75,773 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $971.45 | $4,210 | $50,515 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Cookeville) | $60.72 |
| 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 Cookeville, TN earn a median of $126,278 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.19% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 5.00% below the Tennessee state average of $132,925.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.72/hr = $75,773/year (purchasing power: $82,541).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $126,288/year (purchasing power: $137,569).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$49.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Cookeville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $50.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $53.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Cookeville grew 18.5% from $49.76/hr (2019) to $58.97/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.51/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 Cookeville 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 Cookeville
For those considering part-time optometry roles or per-diem positions, it's crucial to understand how earnings translate into annual income. A part-time optometrist working three days a week would likely earn less annually compared to their full-time counterparts, significantly impacting lifelong earnings. Per-diem and locum tenens optometrists typically earn on a daily billing basis, often charging between $500 to $800 at retail chains, while OD/MD practices can offer rates from $700 to $1,200 per day. In Cookeville, hourly rates can vary based on the type of employer, with private practices, retail optical chains, hospitals, and Veterans Affairs clinics offering different compensation agreements. Some optometrists may choose positions with lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, while others opt for higher pay without the safety net of a benefits package. Negotiating effectively, understanding current local market trends, and having clarity on compensation structures can significantly enhance potential earnings within Cookeville's optometry field.
More salary data for Cookeville, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Cookeville in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Cookeville?
Are optometrists in Cookeville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Cookeville?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Cookeville?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Tennessee
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 Cookeville. 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 Cookeville 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