Optometrist Hourly Pay in Cottonwood Heights, UT: $65.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Cottonwood Heights, UT runs $65.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $135,638 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Cottonwood Heights's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,388 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cottonwood Heights, Utah, optometrists can expect to earn a median hourly wage of $65.21, which falls slightly below the national median of $67.60. This hourly rate supports a range of work arrangements, making it suitable for both part-time professionals—like those working three days a week in various practice settings, including private optometry clinics and retail optical chains—and per-diem optometrists looking to supplement their income. The hourly pay scale for this occupation varies significantly, starting from approximately $37.83 for entry-level positions to as high as $92.85 for those at the top of the pay range. These figures are derived from annual salary data and reflect the projected landscape in 2026, where even a part-time optometrist can find comfort in a sustainable income if they choose the right job settings.
About the Cottonwood Heights Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.83 | $302.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.83 | $414.64 |
| Median (P50) | $65.21 | $521.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77.60 | $620.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92.85 | $742.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cottonwood Heights
Based on $65.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.21/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cottonwood Heights, UT can expect to earn approximately $135,647 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,258. With a cost-of-living index of 98.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cottonwood Heights.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cottonwood Heights
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,608.59 | $11,304 | $135,647 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,565.16 | $6,782 | $81,388 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,043.44 | $4,522 | $54,259 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Cottonwood Heights) | $65.21 |
| 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 Cottonwood Heights, UT earn a median of $135,638 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.54% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.70% below the Utah state average of $137,984.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.21/hr = $81,388/year (purchasing power: $82,964).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $135,647/year (purchasing power: $138,274).
CoL index: 98.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Cottonwood Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Cottonwood Heights grew 18.5% from $53.45/hr (2019) to $63.34/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.15/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 Cottonwood Heights 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 Cottonwood Heights
Considering a part-time schedule of 24 hours a week, an optometrist in Cottonwood Heights could potentially earn a substantial income compared to full-time optometrists. While full-time practitioners may enjoy stability, part-time workers can capitalize on flexibility without sacrificing their earning potential. Per-diem optometrists often charge significantly more for their services, with rates ranging from $500 to $800 per day at retail chains and as high as $1,200 for hospital shifts, which paints a favorable picture for those willing to work in variable conditions. Employers vary widely in terms of pay scales; private practices might offer lower hourly rates but include benefits, while retail chains could compensate with higher pay but less job security. Optometrists in Cottonwood Heights should consider these dynamics, especially when negotiating their pay, keeping in mind that opting for a higher hourly rate may come with fewer benefits, unlike some positions providing health insurance packages and retirement plans.
More salary data for Cottonwood Heights, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Cottonwood Heights in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Cottonwood Heights?
Are optometrists in Cottonwood Heights paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Cottonwood Heights?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Cottonwood Heights?
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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 Cottonwood Heights. 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 Cottonwood Heights 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