Optometrist Hourly Pay in Middletown, NY: $77.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Middletown, NY runs $77.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $160,658 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Middletown's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $66.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $96,396 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Middletown, NY earn a median hourly pay of $77.24, significantly higher than the national median of $67.60. This elevated hourly rate enhances opportunities for part-time professionals working three days a week, as they can earn a substantial income while maintaining a flexible schedule. Per-diem optometrists filling in at private optometry practices, retail chains, or various clinics can see hourly earnings that range widely. Entry-level optometrists might earn around $46.67 per hour, while seasoned professionals can command rates as high as $112.38. These estimates derived from annual salary data provide valuable insights for evaluating potential earnings in different work environments, including retail optical chain mall locations and VA outpatient eye clinics.
About the Middletown Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46.67 | $373.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62.75 | $502.03 |
| Median (P50) | $77.24 | $617.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $93.21 | $745.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112.38 | $899.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Middletown
Based on $77.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $77.24/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Middletown, NY can expect to earn approximately $160,660 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $92,689. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Middletown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Middletown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,089.62 | $13,388 | $160,660 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,853.77 | $8,033 | $96,396 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,235.85 | $5,355 | $64,264 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Middletown) | $77.24 |
| 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 Middletown, NY earn a median of $160,658 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.26% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 3.30% below the New York state average of $166,140.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $77.24/hr = $96,396/year (purchasing power: $83,172).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $160,660/year (purchasing power: $138,620).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$63.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$75.02/hr
2026 Current Est.
$77.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Middletown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $64.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $68.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $68.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $72.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $80.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $75.02/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Middletown grew 18.5% from $63.31/hr (2019) to $75.02/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $79.53/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 Middletown 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 Middletown
For those considering part-time work, an optometrist in Middletown working 24 hours a week at this hourly rate would take home approximately $96,000 annually, which reflects a lucrative choice compared to full-time positions. The per diem landscape shows variability, with fill-in optometrists in retail chains often billing between $500 and $800 per day; in contrast, those working in OD/MD practices can command between $700 and $1,200. Optometrists in hospital systems specializing in ocular disease may even reach $90 to $130 per hour, which illustrates the diverse financial potential within different employer types in Middletown. While high hourly rates may be appealing, some optometrists opt for positions with a slightly lower pay but with benefits such as health insurance. When negotiating hourly pay, consider what non-financial benefits each workplace may offer, as these can significantly impact overall job satisfaction and financial well-being.
More salary data for Middletown, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Middletown in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Middletown?
Are optometrists in Middletown paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Middletown?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Middletown?
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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 Middletown. 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 Middletown 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