Optometrist Hourly Pay in Aspen Hill, MD: $74.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Aspen Hill, MD runs $74.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $155,823 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Aspen Hill's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $68.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $93,492 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Aspen Hill, Maryland, the optometrist hourly pay stands at an impressive $74.91, which is significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $67.60. This hourly figure provides essential insights for professionals considering part-time roles or per-diem positions within various settings such as private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and hospital clinics. For those working three days a week, the income potential becomes quite attractive, as part-time optometrists can expect to earn over $90,000 annually if they maintain a consistent schedule. The hourly range for optometrists in Aspen Hill spans from $43.45 at the lower end to $109.02 for top earners, illustrating a diverse earning potential based on experience, practice type, and patient load.
About the Aspen Hill Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($145,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43.45 | $347.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59.57 | $476.58 |
| Median (P50) | $74.91 | $599.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89.78 | $718.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109.02 | $872.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Aspen Hill
Based on $74.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $74.91/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Aspen Hill, MD can expect to earn approximately $155,820 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $89,896. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Aspen Hill.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Aspen Hill
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,996.55 | $12,985 | $155,820 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,797.93 | $7,791 | $93,492 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,198.62 | $5,194 | $62,328 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Aspen Hill) | $74.91 |
| 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 Aspen Hill, MD earn a median of $155,823 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.82% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.40% above the Maryland state average of $153,671.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $74.91/hr = $93,492/year (purchasing power: $85,537).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $155,820/year (purchasing power: $142,562).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$61.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$72.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$74.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Aspen Hill (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $62.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $66.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $66.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $70.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $77.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $72.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Aspen Hill grew 18.5% from $61.40/hr (2019) to $72.76/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $77.13/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 Aspen Hill 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 Aspen Hill
The earning dynamics for part-time optometrists in Aspen Hill can vary considerably, often leading to different annual take-home amounts compared to their full-time counterparts. Working just three days a week and pulling in 24 hours, a part-time optometrist may earn around $100,000 annually, influenced heavily by the average possible per diem rates encountered in the field. Per diem optometrists frequently command rates of $500 to $800 a day when filling in at retail locations, while those in more specialized OD/MD practices can earn between $700 and $1,200 per day. Additionally, the variability in pay rates across different employer types—be it solo practices, retail chains like LensCrafters, or hospital systems—can motivate some to prioritize higher hourly rates at the expense of benefits. Optometrists engaged in negotiation can enhance their positions by focusing on the total compensation package, weighing the security of employment against higher hourly wages that may come without benefits.
More salary data for Aspen Hill, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Aspen Hill in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Aspen Hill?
Are optometrists in Aspen Hill paid hourly or salary?
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Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Aspen Hill?
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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 Aspen Hill. 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 Aspen Hill 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