Optometrist Hourly Pay in Salem, NH: $70.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Salem, NH runs $70.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $147,235 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Salem's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $65.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $88,340 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Salem, New Hampshire, can expect a median hourly pay of $70.79, slightly above the national median of $67.60. This competitive hourly rate is attractive for both part-time and per-diem optometrists who typically work in diverse settings, such as private optometry exam rooms and retail optical chains. For those choosing to work three days a week, the flexibility to balance work and life comes along with the potential for significant earnings. Hourly pay in Salem ranges from $41.06 for entry-level positions to as high as $99.78 for the most experienced professionals, reflecting the ongoing demand for quality vision care and the diverse environments in which optometrists operate.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($140,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41.06 | $328.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55.61 | $444.87 |
| Median (P50) | $70.79 | $566.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.61 | $668.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99.78 | $798.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salem
Based on $70.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $70.79/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salem, NH can expect to earn approximately $147,233 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $84,942. With a cost-of-living index of 107.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,831.40 | $12,269 | $147,233 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,698.84 | $7,362 | $88,340 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,132.56 | $4,908 | $58,893 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Salem) | $70.79 |
| 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 Salem, NH earn a median of $147,235 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.71% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.40% below the New Hampshire state average of $150,855.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $70.79/hr = $88,340/year (purchasing power: $82,330).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $147,233/year (purchasing power: $137,216).
CoL index: 107.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$58.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$68.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$70.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $62.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $63.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $66.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $70.48/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $68.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Salem grew 18.5% from $58.02/hr (2019) to $68.75/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $72.88/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 Salem 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 Salem
Part-time optometrists working a three-day week in Salem can expect a notable annual take-home income of approximately $86,756, compared to their full-time counterparts who work approximately 40 hours weekly. For fill-in and per-diem roles, many optometrists can command daily rates ranging from $500 to $800 at retail chains, while those in more specialized settings such as OD/MD practices may earn between $700 and $1,200 per day. Residency-trained optometrists working within hospital systems typically see per diem rates between $90 and $130 hourly. Variability exists in hourly rates depending on practitioner type, with retail optical chains often offering lower rates compared to private practices and hospital systems that provide more comprehensive employee benefits. For those considering employment in Salem, negotiating for benefits may be vital, as some optometrists might accept lower hourly wages for health insurance coverage.
More salary data for Salem, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Salem in 2026?
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Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in New Hampshire
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 Salem. 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 Salem 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