As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Locum Optometrist in the United States is $105,297 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $51.
However, a Locum Optometrist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Locum Optometrist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Locum Optometrist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Technical... Level Locum Optometrist | $97,462 |
| Technical... Level Locum Optometrist | $114,305 |
| Locum Opt... Level Locum Optometrist | $108,150 |
| Technical... Level Locum Optometrist | $123,376 |
| Technical... Level Locum Optometrist | $168,140 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Locum Optometrists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
For Locum Optometrist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 35% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Locum Optometrist positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Locum Optometrist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $126,356 | $61.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $121,092 | $58.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $115,827 | $56.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $113,721 | $55.0 | 8% |
| Internet | $112,668 | $54.0 | 7% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Locum Optometrists enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Locum Optometrist with a Associate's Degree is between $103,615 and $110,589).
Locum Optometrist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 4.2% |
| High School | 4.2% |
| Associates | 4.2% |
| Bachelors | 54.2% |
| Masters | 29.2% |
| Doctorate | 8.3% |
Understanding how a Locum Optometrist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Salaries for a Locum Optometrist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $90,648 in 2023 to around $90,392 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Locum Optometrist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $90,648 |
| 2024 | $91,296 |
| 2025 | $90,392 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Locum Optometrist roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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