Optometrist Hourly Pay in Malden, MA: $74.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Malden, MA runs $74.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $155,470 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Malden's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $68.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $93,287 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Malden, Massachusetts, the estimated optometrist hourly pay reaches $74.75, which exceeds the national median of $67.60. This higher rate can significantly benefit optometrists who prefer part-time or per diem work. For example, a part-time optometrist working three days a week can earn a substantial hourly wage while gaining flexibility in their schedule. The hourly range for this profession in Malden spans from $43.36 at the lower end for entry-level positions to approximately $109.89 for highly experienced practitioners. These figures highlight the potential for varying incomes in different practice settings, including private optometry offices, retail optical chains, and specialty clinics like those at the VA, all of which can impact hourly earnings.
About the Malden 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) | $43.36 | $346.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58.47 | $467.77 |
| Median (P50) | $74.75 | $597.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90.24 | $721.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109.89 | $879.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Malden
Based on $74.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $74.75/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Malden, MA can expect to earn approximately $155,478 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $89,699. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Malden.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Malden
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,989.96 | $12,956 | $155,478 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,793.98 | $7,774 | $93,287 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,195.98 | $5,183 | $62,191 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Malden) | $74.75 |
| 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 Malden, MA earn a median of $155,470 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.57% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 0.30% above the Massachusetts state average of $155,005.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $74.75/hr = $93,287/year (purchasing power: $85,979).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $155,478/year (purchasing power: $143,298).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$61.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$72.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$74.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Malden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $62.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $66.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $66.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $70.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $78.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $72.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Malden grew 18.5% from $61.27/hr (2019) to $72.60/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $76.96/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 Malden 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 Malden
Examining the earnings for part-time optometrists illuminates their financial landscape more deeply. A professional working 24 hours a week at the median hourly rate gathers earnings that can equate to nearly $93,000 annually, while full-time practitioners may earn more. In the realm of per diem optometrist pay in Malden, daily rates vary significantly based on practice type; retail chains often pay $500-$800 per day, while positions in OD/MD practices may offer between $700-$1,200 daily. Ensuring competitive hourly rates can be crucial depending on the employer type, which ranges from private groups to retail chains and VA medical centers. Optometrists might find themselves weighing the benefits of higher hourly rates without health insurance against the stability that comes with lower hourly rates and additional benefits. For those seeking to negotiate better compensation, having a clear understanding of the local rates and demonstrating credentials—whether residency-trained or not—can contribute positively to securing favorable terms.
More salary data for Malden, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Malden in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Malden?
Are optometrists in Malden paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Malden?
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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 Malden. 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 Malden 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