Optometrist Hourly Pay in Union City, NJ: $76.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Union City, NJ runs $76.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $159,757 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Union City's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $66.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $95,857 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Union City, NJ, the optometrist hourly pay reflects a competitive compensation landscape, with the median rate projected to be $76.81 in 2026. This figure surpasses the national median of $67.60, highlighting the advantageous earning potential for optometrists in the area. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this translates to substantial weekly pay while allowing a flexible work-life balance. Per-diem optometrists across various settings—including retail optical chains, private practices, and VA outpatient clinics—can expect to see an hourly range from $44.99 to $115.17, showcasing disparities between entry-level positions and top earners. These estimates derive from annual salary data, giving a robust overview of the expected take-home pay for optometrists in Union City, while accommodating different work arrangements.
About the Union City 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) | $44.99 | $359.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63.11 | $504.92 |
| Median (P50) | $76.81 | $614.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94.08 | $752.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $115.17 | $921.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Union City
Based on $76.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $76.81/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Union City, NJ can expect to earn approximately $159,761 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $92,170. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Union City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Union City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,072.33 | $13,313 | $159,761 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,843.40 | $7,988 | $95,857 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,228.93 | $5,325 | $63,904 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Union City) | $76.81 |
| 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 Union City, NJ earn a median of $159,757 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.62% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.40% below the New Jersey state average of $162,025.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $76.81/hr = $95,857/year (purchasing power: $83,209).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $159,761/year (purchasing power: $138,681).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$62.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$74.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$76.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Union City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $64.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $67.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $68.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $72.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $81.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $74.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Union City grew 18.5% from $62.95/hr (2019) to $74.60/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $79.08/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 Union City 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 Union City
Exploring the financial benefits of part-time roles, an optometrist working 24 hours a week could earn approximately $59,995 annually without committing to a full-time schedule. For those considering per-diem work, the landscape is even more lucrative; fill-in optometrists at retail chains may charge between $500 and $800 per day, while in OD/MD practices, the daily rate can range from $700 to $1,200. Residency-trained ocular disease optometrists often command hourly rates of $90 to $130, notably increasing their financial return. Hourly rates can vary significantly across employer types, with private practices, retail chains like LensCrafters and Pearle Vision, and larger medical facilities offering different compensation packages. Some optometrists may favor positions with lower hourly pay that include benefits like health insurance, while others might prioritize higher pay without the safety net of benefits. In Union City, it is paramount for optometrists to negotiate effectively by understanding employer practices and leveraging their expertise to secure the best possible compensation.
More salary data for Union City, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Union City in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Union City?
Are optometrists in Union City paid hourly or salary?
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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 Union City. 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 Union City 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