Optometrist Hourly Pay in Franklin, NJ: $78.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Franklin, NJ runs $78.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $164,221 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 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $68.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $98,529 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Franklin, New Jersey, the optometrist hourly pay is notably competitive, with a median rate of $78.95. This figure is significantly higher than the national median of $67.60, reflecting the region's specific demands and cost of living. For optometrists working part-time, such as those on a three-day workweek, this hourly wage translates well into earnings that can help support their lifestyles. Per-diem optometrists in various settings—including retail optical chains and clinical practices—can anticipate hourly rates that may range from entry-level positions at approximately $45.80 to seasoned practitioners making as much as $114.69. This range is indicative of the profession's potential for flexible employment options, a significant draw for many in the field.
About the Franklin 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) | $45.80 | $366.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62.77 | $502.20 |
| Median (P50) | $78.95 | $631.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94.73 | $757.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $114.69 | $917.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Franklin
Based on $78.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $78.95/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Franklin, NJ can expect to earn approximately $164,215 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $94,740. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (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) | $3,157.99 | $13,685 | $164,215 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,894.79 | $8,211 | $98,529 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,263.20 | $5,474 | $65,686 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Franklin) | $78.95 |
| 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, NJ earn a median of $164,221 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.79% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.40% above the New Jersey state average of $161,954.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $78.95/hr = $98,529/year (purchasing power: $85,529).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $164,215/year (purchasing power: $142,548).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$64.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$76.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$78.95/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 | $64.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $66.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $69.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $70.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $74.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $84.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $76.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Franklin grew 18.5% from $64.71/hr (2019) to $76.68/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $81.29/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
Considering part-time work, a three-day-per-week schedule equating to about 24 hours can lead to an annual income markedly lower than that of full-time counterparts, particularly in a market like Franklin. Per-diem optometrists often see lucrative daily pay, with rates at retail chains falling between $500-$800 and OD/MD practices offering even higher potential at $700-$1,200 per day. Notably, skilled locum tenens optometrists, especially those trained in ocular disease, can command hourly rates between $90-$130. Employment types significantly influence pay structures, with private practices typically offering lower hourly rates than high-volume retail chains or hospital systems, where earnings might reflect increased patient load. As benefits can vary, some optometrists may choose to accept positions with lower hourly rates for the stability of health insurance and retirement plans, whereas others may prioritize earning potential without these benefits. Negotiating effectively in Franklin's market requires understanding these trade-offs and leveraging one's training or specialized skills, such as those conferred through residency programs.
More salary data for Franklin, NJ:
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