Optometrist Hourly Pay in Youngstown, OH: $64.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Youngstown, OH runs $64.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $133,884 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Youngstown's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,334 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median optometrist hourly pay in Youngstown, Ohio is projected to be $64.37, which is 4.78% lower than the national median of $67.60. This hourly rate translates to significant earning potential for part-time optometrists working three days a week in various settings such as private optometry clinics, retail optical chains, or VA outpatient eye clinics. For those in entry-level positions, hourly wages start at around $37.33, while top earners can reach up to $94.90 per hour. This range highlights the diversity within the profession, allowing optometrists in Youngstown to tailor their career paths according to personal preferences, whether they choose to work full-time, part-time, or as per diem clinicians.
About the Youngstown Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.33 | $298.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.02 | $416.12 |
| Median (P50) | $64.37 | $514.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79.42 | $635.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94.90 | $759.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Youngstown
Based on $64.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.37/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Youngstown, OH can expect to earn approximately $133,891 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,245. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Youngstown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Youngstown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,574.82 | $11,158 | $133,891 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,544.89 | $6,695 | $80,334 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,029.93 | $4,463 | $53,556 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Youngstown) | $64.37 |
| 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 Youngstown, OH earn a median of $133,884 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.78% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.50% below the Ohio state average of $137,317.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.37/hr = $80,334/year (purchasing power: $88,572).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $133,891/year (purchasing power: $147,619).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Youngstown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $50.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Youngstown grew 18.5% from $52.76/hr (2019) to $62.52/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.28/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 Youngstown 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 Youngstown
For part-time practitioners, averaging 24 hours a week can yield earnings that significantly differ from full-time salaries. Similarly, per diem optometrists in Youngstown generally have a billing framework that allows them to earn substantial daily rates — commonly ranging from $500 to $800 for retail chain fill-ins and $700 to $1,200 in OD/MD practices. This flexibility appeals to many who prefer short-term contracts or rotational work while balancing other commitments. Hourly rates can also vary widely depending on employer type. For instance, private practices often offer lower rates but come with associated benefits like health insurance, while retail optical chains might provide higher pay without benefits. Understanding these nuances can empower optometrists to negotiate their pay accordingly. Whether seeking a direct path with a clear career trajectory or a flexible work schedule, an awareness of the local pay landscape is crucial for those exploring optometrist hourly pay in Youngstown.
More salary data for Youngstown, OH:
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 Youngstown. 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 Youngstown 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