Optometrist Hourly Pay in Perth Amboy, NJ: $76.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Perth Amboy, NJ runs $76.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $158,667 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Perth Amboy's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $66.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $95,201 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Perth Amboy, New Jersey, optometrists command a median hourly rate of $76.28, which significantly exceeds the national median of $67.60. This robust hourly pay can make part-time roles, such as working three days a week, highly appealing for those seeking flexibility while still reaping substantial earnings. Per-diem optometrists can find opportunities across varied environments, including private optometry exam rooms and university teaching clinics, often adjusting their schedules based on patient demand. The hourly range for optometrists in this area spans from approximately $44.24 for entry-level positions to about $113.35 for the most experienced practitioners, providing a diverse earning potential within the profession.
About the Perth Amboy 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) | $44.24 | $353.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62.06 | $496.51 |
| Median (P50) | $76.28 | $610.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92.82 | $742.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $113.35 | $906.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Perth Amboy
Based on $76.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $76.28/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Perth Amboy, NJ can expect to earn approximately $158,669 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $91,540. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Perth Amboy.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Perth Amboy
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,051.32 | $13,222 | $158,669 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,830.79 | $7,933 | $95,201 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,220.53 | $5,289 | $63,468 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Perth Amboy) | $76.28 |
| 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 Perth Amboy, NJ earn a median of $158,667 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.84% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.00% below the New Jersey state average of $161,905.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $76.28/hr = $95,201/year (purchasing power: $82,640).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $158,669/year (purchasing power: $137,733).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$62.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$74.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$76.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Perth Amboy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $64.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $67.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $68.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $71.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $81.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $74.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78.54/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Perth Amboy grew 18.5% from $62.52/hr (2019) to $74.09/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $78.54/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 Perth Amboy 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 Perth Amboy
Earning as a part-time optometrist in Perth Amboy can lead to an annual income reflective of significant earnings, especially if working a standard schedule of 24 hours per week. On the other hand, per-diem optometrists may find themselves billing between $500 and $800 per day at retail optical chains, while those in OD/MD practices might command between $700 and $1,200 daily. Notably, residency-trained ocular disease optometrists can often secure a strong hourly rate of $90 to $130 when filling in at hospital systems. Hourly rates can vary significantly based on employer type, with private practices, retail chains, or ophthalmology groups each offering different compensation packages. Optometrists seeking consistent hours often trade higher hourly wages for the stability and benefits provided by full-time positions. For those engaged in hourly work, strategic negotiation concerning pay and benefits is essential, especially in a city where both independent and retail practices are adjusting to industry changes.
More salary data for Perth Amboy, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Perth Amboy in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Perth Amboy?
Are optometrists in Perth Amboy paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Perth Amboy?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Perth Amboy?
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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 Perth Amboy. 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 Perth Amboy 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