Optometrist Hourly Pay in Franklin, MA: $71.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Franklin, MA runs $71.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $147,759 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Franklin's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $65.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $88,661 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Franklin, Massachusetts, the hourly compensation for optometrists is quite competitive, with a median rate of $71.04, surpassing the national median of $67.60. This higher rate reflects not only the demand for optometric services but also the cost of living index, which stands at 108.5—indicating that Franklin is above the national average. For those considering part-time roles, such as working three days a week, the earnings can still be robust compared to the full-time cohort. The hourly range for optometrists here extends from $41.35 at entry-level positions to approximately $101.32 for those in high-demand practices, making it an attractive option for both seasoned professionals and newcomers entering the field.
About the Franklin Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($150,000) 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) | $56.55 | $452.37 |
| Median (P50) | $71.04 | $568.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84.69 | $677.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101.32 | $810.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Franklin
Based on $71.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $71.04/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Franklin, MA can expect to earn approximately $147,768 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $85,251. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Franklin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Franklin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,841.70 | $12,314 | $147,768 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,705.02 | $7,388 | $88,661 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,136.68 | $4,926 | $59,107 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Franklin) | $71.04 |
| 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 Franklin, MA earn a median of $147,759 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.08% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 4.70% below the Massachusetts state average of $155,046.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $71.04/hr = $88,661/year (purchasing power: $81,715).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $147,768/year (purchasing power: $136,192).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$58.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$69.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$71.04/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Franklin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $62.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $63.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $66.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $74.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $69.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Franklin grew 18.5% from $58.23/hr (2019) to $69.00/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $73.15/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 Franklin 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 Franklin
Regarding the financial dynamics of part-time and per-diem work in the optometry sector, many positioned as per diem optometrists may find themselves earning substantial daily rates. Those servicing retail chains might charge anywhere from $500 to $800 a day, while fill-in positions in OD/MD practices could yield between $700 and $1,200. Expect residency-trained ocular disease optometrists at hospital affiliations to earn around $90 to $130 per hour. The choice of employer significantly impacts hourly pay; while private practices might offer lower rates, they often come with benefits, unlike some retail chains. Negotiating for a higher hourly wage without benefits can be a worthwhile trade-off for optometrists who do not require a stable income and prefer more flexibility. Understanding the nuances of per diem optometrist pay in Franklin is essential for both new graduates and experienced practitioners aiming to maximize their income potential in this evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Franklin, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Franklin in 2026?
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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 Franklin. 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 Franklin 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