Optometrist Hourly Pay in Camden, NJ: $74.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Camden, NJ runs $74.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $154,752 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Camden's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $64.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $92,850 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Camden, New Jersey, the optometrist hourly pay is projected at $74.40 in 2026, surpassing the national median of $67.60 per hour by 10.06%. This higher rate reflects the demand for eye care professionals in the region, offering attractive opportunities for those considering part-time positions or per-diem work. For instance, a part-time optometrist working three days a week could expect to earn about $58,752 annually, while per-diem optometrists can charge daily rates ranging between $500 and $1,200 depending on employer and location. The hourly wage spectrum in Camden ranges from $43.15 for entry-level positions to $111.10 for top earners, indicating substantial earning potential for experienced practitioners in various settings, such as private practices, retail optical chains, and VA outpatient clinics.
About the Camden Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43.15 | $345.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59.35 | $474.77 |
| Median (P50) | $74.40 | $595.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91.09 | $728.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $111.10 | $888.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Camden
Based on $74.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $74.40/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Camden, NJ can expect to earn approximately $154,750 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $89,279. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Camden.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Camden
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,975.96 | $12,896 | $154,750 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,785.57 | $7,737 | $92,850 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,190.38 | $5,158 | $61,900 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Camden) | $74.40 |
| 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 Camden, NJ earn a median of $154,752 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.06% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 4.50% below the New Jersey state average of $162,044.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $74.40/hr = $92,850/year (purchasing power: $80,599).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $154,750/year (purchasing power: $134,331).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$60.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$72.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$74.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Camden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $62.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $65.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $66.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $69.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $80.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $72.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Camden grew 18.5% from $60.98/hr (2019) to $72.26/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $76.60/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 Camden 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 Camden
Exploring the financial landscape for optometrists in Camden reveals distinct earning potentials based on employment type. Optometrists opting for part-time roles often sacrifice the security of full-time work, taking home less overall despite a competitive hourly rate. Per-diem or agency optometrists benefit from flexibility, often charging $90 to $130 per hour for specialized roles, particularly in hospitals or during high-demand periods. However, the choice between a higher hourly rate without benefits versus a lower one with health insurance can influence job satisfaction and financial security. Employment settings such as private practices may offer better benefits but at a slightly reduced hourly wage, while retail chains like LensCrafters often appeal to those prioritizing flexibility. Understanding these dynamics will be key for new optometrists navigating their career paths in Camden, NJ, and negotiating their compensation effectively.
More salary data for Camden, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Camden 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 Camden. 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 Camden 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