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Locum Optometry Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Locum Optometry information

See Michigan salary details

$56.7K

$108.3K

$161.2K

How much do locum optometry jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for locum optometry in Michigan is $108,264.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,400.00 and $127,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is locum optometry?

Locum optometry refers to optometrists who work on a temporary or contractual basis, filling in for permanent staff at various clinics, hospitals, or optical practices. Locum optometrists may cover for vacations, staff shortages, or peak periods, and they often enjoy flexible schedules and diverse work environments. This role allows optometrists to gain broad experience across different settings while maintaining autonomy over their work commitments.

What is the difference between Locum Optometry vs Permanent Optometry?

AspectLocum OptometryPermanent Optometry
CredentialsRequires valid optometry license and sometimes temporary permitsRequires full licensure and possibly additional certifications
Work EnvironmentTemporary clinics, hospitals, or retail settingsLong-term clinics, private practices, or hospitals
Employment TypeShort-term, contract-basedFull-time or part-time, ongoing employment
Industry UsageCommon for filling staffing gaps or covering leaveStandard employment for stable practice operations

In summary, Locum Optometry offers flexible, short-term positions ideal for covering staffing needs, while Permanent Optometry provides ongoing employment within established practices. Both roles require proper licensure and are integral to the optometry industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a locum optometrist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Locum Optometrist, you need a degree in optometry, registration with the relevant professional body, and strong clinical assessment skills. Familiarity with optical equipment, electronic health record systems, and often various practice management software is crucial. Excellent communication, adaptability, and the ability to quickly build rapport with new teams and patients set outstanding locum optometrists apart. These skills ensure high-quality patient care and smooth integration into different clinical environments, which is vital for success in temporary roles.

What are some common challenges faced by locum optometrists, and how can they be managed?

Locum optometrists often face the challenge of quickly adapting to new practice environments, systems, and patient demographics with each assignment. Building rapport with staff and patients in a short time frame and staying up-to-date with different equipment or procedures can require strong communication and flexibility. To manage these challenges, it helps to arrive early to become familiar with the clinic setup, proactively communicate with the team, and maintain an organized system for tracking appointments and patient notes. Many locum optometrists also network with colleagues for support and share best practices to ensure smooth transitions between placements.
What are the most commonly searched types of Optometry jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Optometry jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Locum Optometry jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Locum Optometry job openings:
Infographic showing various Locum Optometry job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 18% Locum Tenens, 57% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 19% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,264 per year, or $52 per hour.

Physician / Ophthalmology / Michigan / Locum or Permanent / Detroit Michigan Ophthalmology Locum Ten

Pacific Companies, Inc.

Detroit, MI

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Hello Dr Good day. We are in the process of expanding our program effective for our Eye Care facilities in the Detroit market. We are in need of Ophthalmology physicians located ideally in Michigan and available full time or part time. We are open to physician out of state and can be flexible depending on your availability.Below are a few basis details for coverage needs. At this point, we are only considering providers already with an active Michigan state license. Our recruitment efforts are underway; and please contact me directly if you are interested and available. Thank you, Please Contact: Ian GlendinningDirector of Recruitment, Locum Tenens DivisionPacific Companies Inc.Permanent & Locum Tenensp c Detroit Michigan Area Ophthalmology Locums Tenens Needed- Position Details: This could be for locum tenens or permanent need.Flexible Schedule depending on your availabilityStart date: As soon as possible and ongoing.Expanding Psychiatry Program to provide service to two new campuses.Day and Night shifts are now available24 hour call coverage is neededPotential Option for Academic Affiliation Optional Hospital Details: Our hospital partners with Kresge Eye Institute's clinical ophthalmologists, who are also Wayne State University School of Medicine faculty members, to treat more than 90,000 patients annually and perform nearly 4,000 surgical procedures. Patients come from throughout the metropolitan Detroit area and the Midwest for highly specialized care in areas such as glaucoma and filtering surgery, cataract and lens implant surgery, corneal transplantation and refractive surgery, neuro-ophthalmologic, orbital diseases and plastic surgery, retinal disease and vitreous surgery, and diabetic eye care.Kresge Eye Institute's specialists treat and perform surgery on thousands of patients annually, striving to make each visit a friendly, comfortable experience where each patient is a priority. In keeping with this goal, we are continually looking at ways to improve availability of patient care services to the people of the City of Detroit and its adjoining suburbs.The Kresge Eye Institute provides a full range of ophthalmic specialties, sub-specialties and services. Comprehensive ophthalmology, diagnostic laboratories and optometry in vision centers supplement clinical services. Whether you need a routine eye exam or surgery, there is a physician who can provide for your eye health care needs. Common services include:Low vision services Glaucoma treatmentCataract treatmentDiabetic retinopathy treatmentCornea careEye trauma careEyelid and plastic surgeryEyeglassesDetroit CommunityExcellent Public or Parochial Schools, Jewish Day SchoolAll the Professional Sports-NFL, MLB, NBA, NHLExcellent ShoppingSaks 5th Avenue, Nordstrom's, Neiman Marcus, Coach, Burberry, Armani, Steve MaddenSuperb Dining, Ethic CuisineTheater, Symphony, Opera, Performing ArtsBoutique Shopping at its BestDiverse Religious Community - All Faiths RepresentedSome of the Best Housing Values in the Country, Lake or Horse PropertyWe will compensate well for this assignment.We also pay for your Malpractice Insurance, Transportation, Lodging.What a great place to work and spend some time. Detroit is a vibrant city with a myriad of amenities and things to do.Please let me know your availability and desired pay rate and provide me with a current CV and a contact number. All inquiries are held in the strictest of confidence. I look forward to hearing from you. Please Contact: Ian GlendinningDirector of Recruitment, Locum Tenens DivisionPacific Companies Inc.Permanent & Locum Tenensp c