Optometrist Hourly Pay in Murfreesboro, TN: $70.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Murfreesboro, TN runs $70.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $145,898 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Murfreesboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $76.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $87,543 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Murfreesboro, TN, earn a median hourly rate of $70.15, outpacing the national hourly median of $67.60 by nearly 3.76%. This robust hourly pay structure affords flexibility, especially for part-time optometrists working three days a week or those in per-diem positions. Professionals in this field often find job opportunities in varied settings, including private optometry exam rooms, retail optical mall locations, OD/MD practice exam rooms, and VA outpatient clinics. With an hourly range from $40.68 at the entry-level to $105.30 for top earners, Murfreesboro provides competitive compensation that reflects the area's cost of living index, which stands below the national average. These hourly estimates are derived from projected annual salaries and represent a sustainable career choice for optometrists in this growing market.
About the Murfreesboro 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) | $40.68 | $325.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55.91 | $447.26 |
| Median (P50) | $70.15 | $561.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87.15 | $697.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105.30 | $842.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Murfreesboro
Based on $70.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $70.15/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Murfreesboro, TN can expect to earn approximately $145,905 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $84,176. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Murfreesboro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Murfreesboro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,805.87 | $12,159 | $145,905 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,683.52 | $7,295 | $87,543 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,122.35 | $4,864 | $58,362 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Murfreesboro) | $70.15 |
| 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 Murfreesboro, TN earn a median of $145,898 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.76% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 9.80% above the Tennessee state average of $132,877.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $70.15/hr = $87,543/year (purchasing power: $95,363).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $145,905/year (purchasing power: $158,938).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$57.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$68.13/hr
2026 Current Est.
$70.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Murfreesboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $62.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $62.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $65.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $68.13/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Murfreesboro grew 18.5% from $57.49/hr (2019) to $68.13/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $72.22/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 Murfreesboro 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 Murfreesboro
In considering part-time roles, a 3-day-a-week optometrist in Murfreesboro can take home a net annual earning potential that reflects their chosen schedule, accruing approximately $85,000 annually while still enjoying a work-life balance. Per diem or locum optometrists weigh lucrative compensation against employment stability, with fill-in optometrists often billing between $500 to $1,200 per day, depending on the setting. Hourly rates can significantly vary based on the type of employer; private practices may offer lower pay, but often come with health benefits, while retail optical chains like LensCrafters or ophthalmology practices might pay less for those who prefer stability. Understanding these differences is crucial for new practitioners considering their employment options. Negotiating for better pay, particularly in a thriving job market, can be facilitated by highlighting specialty training or experience in emerging areas of optometry like glaucoma management or minor surgical procedures, adding further value to their hourly worth.
More salary data for Murfreesboro, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Murfreesboro in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Murfreesboro?
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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 Murfreesboro. 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 Murfreesboro 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