Optometrist Hourly Pay in Allentown, PA: $74.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Allentown, PA runs $74.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $155,099 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Allentown's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.0, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $74.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $93,055 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
The optometrist hourly pay in Allentown, Pennsylvania, reaches a median of $74.56, which is significantly higher than the national median of $67.60. This competitive hourly rate benefits both full-time optometrists and those seeking part-time or per-diem work, making it an appealing option for professionals looking to balance work and personal life. Part-time optometrists working typically three days a week can effectively earn a substantial income while enjoying flexibility. For those just starting out, hourly rates begin at around $44.51, with experienced practitioners commanding up to $93.31 per hour, affirming that the remuneration reflects both skill level and experience.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44.51 | $356.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64.59 | $516.69 |
| Median (P50) | $74.56 | $596.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81.82 | $654.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93.31 | $746.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Allentown
Based on $74.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $74.56/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Allentown, PA can expect to earn approximately $155,092 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $89,476. With a cost-of-living index of 99.97 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Allentown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Allentown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,982.55 | $12,924 | $155,092 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,789.53 | $7,755 | $93,055 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,193.02 | $5,170 | $62,037 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Allentown) | $74.56 |
| 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 Allentown, PA earn a median of $155,099 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.30% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 12.20% above the Pennsylvania state average of $138,234.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $74.56/hr = $93,055/year (purchasing power: $93,085).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $155,092/year (purchasing power: $155,142).
CoL index: 99.968 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$64.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$72.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$74.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Allentown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $66.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $65.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $64.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $65.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $67.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $72.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Allentown grew 11.6% from $64.92/hr (2019) to $72.42/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $76.77/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 Allentown 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 Allentown
In terms of practical earning potential, a part-time optometrist in Allentown working 24 hours a week could anticipate an annual income below that of full-time workers, yet still, benefit from a comfortable lifestyle. Per diem optometrists in retail environments often receive pay rates ranging from $500 to $800 per day, while those filling roles in ophthalmology practices can earn from $700 to $1,200 daily. Residency-trained optometrists specializing in ocular disease may see pay rates of $90 to $130 per hour, enhancing their financial prospects. The hourly rates vary across practice settings; private optometry offices, retail chains like LensCrafters and Walmart Vision, and VA medical centers each present unique compensation structures, often influenced by the availability of benefits such as health insurance. Many optometrists face trade-offs between higher hourly rates without benefits and lower rates accompanied by health insurance, prompting strategic negotiation based on individual circumstances and employer offerings in this vibrant Allentown market.
More salary data for Allentown, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Allentown in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Allentown?
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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 Allentown. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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