Optometrist Hourly Pay in Mechanicsville, VA: $67.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Mechanicsville, VA runs $67.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $140,189 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Mechanicsville's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $65.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,112 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mechanicsville, Virginia, the projected median hourly pay for optometrists stands at $67.40, slightly below the national median of $67.60. For professionals working part-time or on a per-diem basis, this hourly rate may translate into flexible opportunities within private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains, and VA outpatient eye clinics. Those entering the field can expect to earn around $40.68 per hour, while experienced optometrists at the top of the pay scale can achieve rates as high as $98.01. Given that these hourly figures are drawn from annual salary estimates, they reflect both the dynamics of the local job market and the variations in compensation across different practice settings.
About the Mechanicsville Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($135,000) 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) | $54.71 | $437.70 |
| Median (P50) | $67.40 | $539.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81.30 | $650.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98.01 | $784.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mechanicsville
Based on $67.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.40/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mechanicsville, VA can expect to earn approximately $140,187 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,877. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Mechanicsville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mechanicsville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,695.90 | $11,682 | $140,187 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,617.54 | $7,009 | $84,112 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,078.36 | $4,673 | $56,075 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Mechanicsville) | $67.40 |
| 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 Mechanicsville, VA earn a median of $140,189 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.30% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.40% below the Virginia state average of $145,124.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.40/hr = $84,112/year (purchasing power: $81,504).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $140,187/year (purchasing power: $135,840).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$55.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Mechanicsville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Mechanicsville grew 18.5% from $55.24/hr (2019) to $65.46/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.39/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 Mechanicsville 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 Mechanicsville
Part-time optometrists, working a three-day-a-week schedule, could take home approximately $104,064 annually, representing a tidy sum without needing to commit to full-time hours. For those considering per-diem roles, the earning potential can be significant: retail chains might pay between $500 and $800 daily, while fill-in work at OD/MD practices can range from $700 to $1,200 per day. Variations in hourly rates are prevalent across employer types; private practices may offer lower rates but often include benefits, while large retail chains may provide higher pay without similar perks. This creates a trade-off scenario where optometrists need to weigh the advantages of stable income with benefits against potentially higher hourly wages in less-secure arrangements. Effective negotiation tactics, including understanding local market rates and emphasizing relevant experience or credentials like residency training, can enhance hourly compensation opportunities in Mechanicsville.
More salary data for Mechanicsville, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Mechanicsville in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Mechanicsville?
Are optometrists in Mechanicsville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Mechanicsville?
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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 Mechanicsville. 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 Mechanicsville 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