Optometrist Hourly Pay in Mount Juliet, TN: $61.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Mount Juliet, TN runs $61.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $127,197 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Mount Juliet's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,313 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mount Juliet, the optometrist hourly rate is projected to be $61.15 in 2026, which trails the national median of $67.60. This wage reflects the earnings potential for professionals in various settings such as private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and healthcare facilities. For those considering part-time work, such as a three-day workweek, or opting for per-diem positions, the flexibility of this hourly rate can translate into a satisfactory income while maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Entry-level optometrists in the area can expect to earn around $35.90 per hour, while those at the top of their field can command rates up to $87.67, illustrating significant pay variance within the profession.
About the Mount Juliet 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) | $35.90 | $287.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.33 | $402.61 |
| Median (P50) | $61.15 | $489.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74.45 | $595.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87.67 | $701.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mount Juliet
Based on $61.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.15/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mount Juliet, TN can expect to earn approximately $127,188 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,378. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mount Juliet.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mount Juliet
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,445.92 | $10,599 | $127,188 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,467.55 | $6,359 | $76,313 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $978.37 | $4,240 | $50,875 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Mount Juliet) | $61.15 |
| 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 Mount Juliet, TN earn a median of $127,197 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.54% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 4.30% below the Tennessee state average of $132,912.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.15/hr = $76,313/year (purchasing power: $83,129).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $127,188/year (purchasing power: $138,549).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$50.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Mount Juliet (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $54.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Mount Juliet grew 18.5% from $50.12/hr (2019) to $59.39/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.96/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 Mount Juliet 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 Mount Juliet
For optometrists working part-time, a typical schedule of three days per week translates into approximately 24 hours monthly, allowing for a potential annual income that significantly differs from a full-time position. The per diem route offers lucrative options, with retail chains paying between $500 and $800 daily for temporary coverage, while OD/MD practices might pay $700 to $1,200. This is particularly appealing for residency-trained practitioners specializing in ocular disease, who might even earn rates between $90 and $130 per hour in hospital settings. However, hourly compensation can fluctuate based on the type of employer; private practices, retail chains like LensCrafters and Pearle Vision, and specialties often benefit from different pay structures. Many optometrists face a trade-off between accepting lower hourly pay for benefits like health insurance or pursuing higher hourly rates without such perks. Negotiating compensation can be key, emphasizing the potential for higher pay in per diem roles while securing benefits in traditional employment settings in Mount Juliet.
More salary data for Mount Juliet, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Mount Juliet in 2026?
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Are optometrists in Mount Juliet paid hourly or salary?
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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 Mount Juliet. 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 Mount Juliet 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