Optometrist Hourly Pay in West Haven, CT: $71.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in West Haven, CT runs $71.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $148,287 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against West Haven's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $66.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $88,969 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in West Haven, Connecticut, can anticipate a median hourly pay of $71.29 in 2026, which exceeds the national average of $67.60. This competitive hourly rate offers a comfortable earning potential for part-time professionals, particularly those working three days a week who can expect to make significant income, allowing for flexibility in their schedules. Per-diem optometrists find opportunities across various settings, including private optometry offices, retail optical chains, and clinics, with earnings ranging from $41.35 to $105.44 per hour, depending on experience and the specific employment scenario. With entry-level positions starting at about $41.35 hourly and top earners making up to $105.44, the profession in West Haven offers appealing prospects for both newcomers and seasoned practitioners.
About the West Haven 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) | $41.35 | $330.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57.81 | $462.50 |
| Median (P50) | $71.29 | $570.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86.67 | $693.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105.44 | $843.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Haven
Based on $71.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $71.29/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Haven, CT can expect to earn approximately $148,282 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $85,547. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in West Haven.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Haven
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,851.58 | $12,357 | $148,282 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,710.95 | $7,414 | $88,969 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,140.63 | $4,943 | $59,313 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (West Haven) | $71.29 |
| 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 West Haven, CT earn a median of $148,287 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.46% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.30% below the Connecticut state average of $151,778.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $71.29/hr = $88,969/year (purchasing power: $82,455).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $148,282/year (purchasing power: $137,426).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$58.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$69.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$71.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in West Haven (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $63.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $63.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $66.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $73.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $69.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in West Haven grew 18.5% from $58.43/hr (2019) to $69.24/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $73.40/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 West Haven 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 West Haven
In terms of financial planning, part-time optometrists in West Haven would bring home approximately $92,000 annually while committing to a 3-day workweek. This is notably lower than that of their full-time counterparts who maintain a stable weekly schedule. Per diem or agency optometrists enjoy a different landscape, often billing $500 to $800 a day at retail chains and $700 to $1,200 at OD/MD practices, allowing substantial earnings with variable schedules. However, hourly rates can differ markedly based on the employer type; private practices and retail chains might offer varying compensation and benefits packages, compelling some professionals to accept lower hourly rates for benefits like health insurance. When negotiating rates, optometrists should consider these aspects and highlight their specialized training or residency experience, which often commands higher pay in this evolving field.
More salary data for West Haven, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 West Haven. 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 West Haven 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