Optometrist Hourly Pay in Greenbelt, MD: $69.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Greenbelt, MD runs $69.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $145,514 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Greenbelt's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $64.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $87,312 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Greenbelt, Maryland, can expect a median hourly pay of $69.96, which surpasses the national median of $67.60. This competitive rate positions local optometrists favorably, especially those seeking part-time work or per-diem opportunities in various settings such as private exam rooms, retail optical chains, and outpatient clinics. For optometrists working three days a week, embracing flexible schedules could cater to a desirable work-life balance, while the hourly pay range highlights potential earnings from entry-level positions starting at $40.58 to seasoned professionals earning up to $100.07. Notably, these hourly figures stem from annual salary data and reflect the value this profession holds in the Greenbelt area.
About the Greenbelt 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) | $40.58 | $324.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55.92 | $447.34 |
| Median (P50) | $69.96 | $559.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.98 | $671.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100.07 | $800.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Greenbelt
Based on $69.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $69.96/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Greenbelt, MD can expect to earn approximately $145,520 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $83,954. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Greenbelt.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Greenbelt
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,798.45 | $12,127 | $145,520 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,679.07 | $7,276 | $87,312 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,119.38 | $4,851 | $58,208 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Greenbelt) | $69.96 |
| 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 Greenbelt, MD earn a median of $145,514 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.49% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 5.30% below the Maryland state average of $153,658.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $69.96/hr = $87,312/year (purchasing power: $79,883).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $145,520/year (purchasing power: $133,138).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$57.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$67.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$69.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Greenbelt (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $62.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $65.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $72.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $67.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Greenbelt grew 18.5% from $57.34/hr (2019) to $67.95/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $72.03/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 Greenbelt 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 Greenbelt
For those considering part-time positions, such as a three-day work schedule totaling 24 hours a week, the financial return differs significantly from full-time peers. On average, a part-time optometrist may earn substantially less annually, adjusting their financial strategies accordingly. Per-diem roles present a different scenario: fill-in optometrists at retail chains typically command rates between $500 and $800 daily, while those working in OD/MD practices may see daily earnings of $700 to $1,200. The pay varies based on the type of employer; private practices usually offer a lower hourly rate but may provide benefits, whereas retail chains might compensate more for fewer benefits. Understanding these nuances and being prepared for negotiations could help professionals in Greenbelt maximize their earning potential while navigating these diverse opportunities in the optometry field.
More salary data for Greenbelt, MD:
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 Greenbelt. 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 Greenbelt 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