Optometrist Hourly Pay in West Valley City, UT: $67.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in West Valley City, UT runs $67.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $139,928 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against West Valley City's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $68.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $83,958 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In West Valley City, Utah, the optometrist hourly pay stands at a median of $67.27, slightly below the national median of $67.60. This competitive hourly rate presents a viable opportunity for both full-time practitioners and those considering part-time or per-diem work in varied settings, including private exam rooms and retail optical chains. For professionals working three days a week, or around 24 hours, this rate translates into a substantial income, especially as entry-level earnings start at approximately $39.02, while top earners can make up to $99.65 per hour. The range of hourly pay reflects the differing experiences and qualifications among optometrists, which include contrasting environments from optometry clinics to university teaching facilities.
About the West Valley City 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) | $39.02 | $312.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.39 | $411.10 |
| Median (P50) | $67.27 | $538.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81.30 | $650.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99.65 | $797.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Valley City
Based on $67.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.27/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Valley City, UT can expect to earn approximately $139,930 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,729. With a cost-of-living index of 98.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in West Valley City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Valley City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,690.96 | $11,661 | $139,930 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,614.58 | $6,997 | $83,958 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,076.39 | $4,664 | $55,972 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (West Valley City) | $67.27 |
| 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 West Valley City, UT earn a median of $139,928 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.49% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.40% above the Utah state average of $137,996.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.27/hr = $83,958/year (purchasing power: $85,584).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $139,930/year (purchasing power: $142,640).
CoL index: 98.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$55.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in West Valley City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $61.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in West Valley City grew 18.5% from $55.14/hr (2019) to $65.34/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.27/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 West Valley City 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 West Valley City
Part-time optometrists in West Valley City may effectively take home a commendable income when operating on a 3-day workweek, estimating about $83,000 annually. In contrast, those engaged as per-diem or locum tenens workers can expect varied compensation, often charging between $500 to $800 per day at retail locations, while fill-ins for OD/MD practices command anywhere from $700 to $1,200 daily. Residency-trained optometrists in ocular disease at hospital systems usually fetch between $90-$130 per hour, reflecting the premium for specialized skills in an evolving scope of practice. It's crucial for optometrists to understand how pay rates differ among employers in West Valley City, such as private practices, retail chains, and VA medical centers, often leading to decisions about accepting lower pay for benefits or higher hourly rates without them. Negotiating effectively in this market involves understanding industry standards and articulating one’s unique qualifications to secure favorable terms, aiding long-term career development.
More salary data for West Valley City, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in West Valley City in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in West Valley City?
Are optometrists in West Valley City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in West Valley City?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in West Valley City?
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 West Valley City. 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 West Valley City 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