Optometrist Hourly Pay in Lakewood, WA: $71.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Lakewood, WA runs $71.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $149,215 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Lakewood's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $66.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $89,535 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lakewood, Washington, the optometrist hourly pay stands at a median rate of $71.74, which is significantly higher than the national median of $67.60. This competitive hourly rate enables part-time practitioners, such as those working three days a week, to earn a substantial income while balancing their work-life commitments. Per-diem professionals in various settings—including private optometry exam rooms, retail chains like LensCrafters, and VA outpatient clinics—can expect to find attractive compensation as well, with entry-level rates starting around $41.61 and top earners reaching up to $107.84 per hour. These hourly figures, derived from annual salary estimates, reflect a robust opportunity for both full-time and part-time optometrists in the area.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41.61 | $332.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59.11 | $472.87 |
| Median (P50) | $71.74 | $573.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88.03 | $704.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107.84 | $862.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lakewood
Based on $71.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $71.74/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lakewood, WA can expect to earn approximately $149,224 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $86,091. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lakewood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lakewood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,869.70 | $12,435 | $149,224 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,721.82 | $7,461 | $89,535 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,147.88 | $4,974 | $59,690 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Lakewood) | $71.74 |
| 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 Lakewood, WA earn a median of $149,215 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.12% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.20% below the Washington state average of $151,027.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $71.74/hr = $89,535/year (purchasing power: $83,366).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $149,224/year (purchasing power: $138,943).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$58.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$69.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$71.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $60.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $63.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $64.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $67.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $75.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $69.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Lakewood grew 18.5% from $58.80/hr (2019) to $69.68/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $73.87/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 Lakewood 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 Lakewood
Analyzing the part-time and per-diem optometrist pay in Lakewood reveals interesting earning dynamics. A part-time optometrist working 24 hours a week can still take home a considerable annual income compared to full-timers, giving them flexibility without sacrificing financial stability. Per-diem optometrists, depending on their workplace, can bill anywhere from $500 to $1,200 per day, illustrating a lucrative option for those willing to work intermittently. Employer types significantly influence these rates; solo practices may offer different compensation than retail optical chains or VA centers. Additionally, many optometrists face a choice: trade off higher hourly rates for positions without benefits against lower rates that include health insurance. Understanding the practicalities of negotiation can further enhance earning potential, emphasizing the value of focusing on workplace type and compensation packages when assessing opportunities in Lakewood.
More salary data for Lakewood, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Lakewood in 2026?
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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 Lakewood. 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 Lakewood 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