Optometrist Hourly Pay in Torrington, CT: $70.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Torrington, CT runs $70.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $147,563 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Torrington's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $65.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $88,532 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median hourly rate of $70.94 in 2026, the earnings for optometrists in Torrington, CT, exceed the national median of $67.60 per hour by approximately 4.94%. This competitive rate can significantly benefit those seeking part-time positions, such as three-day-a-week roles, or per-diem opportunities in various settings including private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and universities. For instance, practitioners just entering the field might earn around $41.14, while top earners can make up to $103.91 per hour. These hourly figures help potential optometrists understand their earning potential in a city where the cost of living is slightly above the national average, and serve as an accurate estimate derived from projected annual salaries.
About the Torrington Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($145,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41.14 | $329.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59.75 | $477.98 |
| Median (P50) | $70.94 | $567.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86.24 | $689.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103.91 | $831.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Torrington
Based on $70.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $70.94/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Torrington, CT can expect to earn approximately $147,554 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $85,127. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Torrington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Torrington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,837.58 | $12,296 | $147,554 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,702.55 | $7,378 | $88,532 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,135.03 | $4,918 | $59,022 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Torrington) | $70.94 |
| 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 Torrington, CT earn a median of $147,563 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.94% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.70% below the Connecticut state average of $151,658.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $70.94/hr = $88,532/year (purchasing power: $82,050).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $147,554/year (purchasing power: $136,751).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$58.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$68.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$70.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Torrington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $62.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $63.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $66.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $73.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $68.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73.04/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Torrington grew 18.5% from $58.14/hr (2019) to $68.90/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $73.04/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 Torrington 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 Torrington
For those considering part-time careers, a three-day-a-week (24-hour) schedule could yield around $81,000 annually, which contrasts sharply with full-time optometrists. Per diem optometrists are also in demand, typically billing $500-$800 per day at retail settings, while fill-in work in OD/MD practices can pay between $700-$1,200 daily, reflecting the variation in per diem optometrist pay in Torrington. Employment across different environments, including retail chains like LensCrafters or independent practices, can also influence hourly rates, as greater job security in larger chains may come with lower pay compared to smaller, privately-owned offices. Optometrists need to consider the benefits packages that might accompany lower hourly wages; some may choose the steadiness of a traditional employment role for health insurance, while others may prefer higher compensation and the flexibility of contract work. For those negotiating hourly contracts, having awareness of local market conditions and average pay spectra can provide leverage in discussions.
More salary data for Torrington, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Torrington in 2026?
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Are optometrists in Torrington paid hourly or salary?
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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 Torrington. 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 Torrington 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