Optometrist Hourly Pay in Plainfield, NJ: $77.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Plainfield, NJ runs $77.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $161,681 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Plainfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $67.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $97,013 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Plainfield, New Jersey, optometrists earn a median hourly rate of $77.73, significantly above the national average of $67.60 per hour. This competitive rate translates well for both part-time practitioners and those working in per-diem roles. With typical working environments including private exam rooms, retail optical chains, and various medical facilities, a doctor working part-time, say three days a week, can find the substantial hourly earnings beneficial. The hourly range for optometrists in this area spans from $45.09 at entry-level positions to $118.42 for experiences and specialized roles at the 90th percentile, illustrating a diverse earning potential depending on experience and practice setting.
About the Plainfield 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) | $45.09 | $360.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60.33 | $482.68 |
| Median (P50) | $77.73 | $621.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91.68 | $733.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $118.42 | $947.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Plainfield
Based on $77.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $77.73/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Plainfield, NJ can expect to earn approximately $161,688 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $93,282. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Plainfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Plainfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,109.39 | $13,474 | $161,688 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,865.64 | $8,084 | $97,013 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,243.76 | $5,390 | $64,675 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Plainfield) | $77.73 |
| 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 Plainfield, NJ earn a median of $161,681 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.98% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 0.20% below the New Jersey state average of $162,005.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $77.73/hr = $97,013/year (purchasing power: $84,213).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $161,688/year (purchasing power: $140,355).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$63.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$75.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$77.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Plainfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $65.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $68.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $69.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $72.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $82.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $75.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80.04/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Plainfield grew 18.5% from $63.71/hr (2019) to $75.50/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $80.04/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 Plainfield 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 Plainfield
Considering a part-time schedule of 24 hours a week, an optometrist in Plainfield can still earn a respectable income, albeit lower than full-time counterparts. Per-diem optometrists often navigate lucrative but variable compensation structures, billing from $500 to $1,200 a day depending on the job setting, whether it's a retail chain or an OD/MD practice. Working within private practices may offer stability with benefits, but higher per diem rates are frequently available for those willing to take on roles without such perks. Differences in hourly compensation reflect the choice of employment type, where solo practices, military clinics, or chain operations all influence pay structures. It’s wise for professionals in Plainfield to assess the value of benefits versus higher hourly rates when weighing job offers, and open negotiation about compensation can yield favorable results, especially in a city where demand for skilled optometrists continues to grow.
More salary data for Plainfield, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Plainfield. 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 Plainfield 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