Optometrist Hourly Pay in Chambersburg, PA: $63.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Chambersburg, PA runs $63.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $132,150 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Chambersburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $65.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,294 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, the optometrist hourly pay stands at a median of $63.54, which falls below the national median of $67.60. This distinction highlights the local market dynamics, where optometrists can thrive in diverse settings such as private practices, retail optical chains, and specialized medical facilities. For part-time or per-diem optometrists, earning potential can vary significantly; those working three days a week could anticipate a stable income. The hourly rates range from $36.85 for entry-level positions to $88.28 for experienced practitioners, indicating that those at the top of their game—whether in solo practices or leading retail clinics—can potentially command a higher pay scale. These estimates derive from annual salary data, illustrating a spectrum of opportunities within Chambersburg’s optometry sector.
About the Chambersburg Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.85 | $294.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.57 | $412.58 |
| Median (P50) | $63.54 | $508.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74.67 | $597.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88.28 | $706.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chambersburg
Based on $63.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.54/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chambersburg, PA can expect to earn approximately $132,156 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,244. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Chambersburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chambersburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,541.46 | $11,013 | $132,156 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,524.88 | $6,608 | $79,294 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,016.59 | $4,405 | $52,862 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Chambersburg) | $63.54 |
| 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 Chambersburg, PA earn a median of $132,150 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.02% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 4.40% below the Pennsylvania state average of $138,232.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.54/hr = $79,294/year (purchasing power: $81,410).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $132,156/year (purchasing power: $135,684).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$65.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+-0.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Chambersburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $60.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Chambersburg grew -6.2% from $65.82/hr (2019) to $61.71/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.42/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 Chambersburg 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 Chambersburg
For part-time optometrists choosing to work three days a week, their annual take-home pay can be significantly less compared to their full-time peers, underscoring the trade-off they make for flexibility versus financial stability. Per diem optometrists in the area often find daily rates quite lucrative, billing between $500 and $800 at retail chains and $700 to $1,200 at OD/MD practices. It’s common for residency-trained ocular disease optometrists to earn $90 to $130 per hour in hospital settings. In Chambersburg, the varied employer landscape—from private optometry practices to retail giants like LensCrafters and Visionworks—results in different hourly compensation. Some optometrists may opt for lower hourly rates that include benefits over higher pay without health insurance, highlighting a common dilemma in the field. Negotiation strategies become crucial, especially for hourly workers seeking to balance earnings with job benefits in today's competitive market.
More salary data for Chambersburg, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Chambersburg in 2026?
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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 Chambersburg. 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 Chambersburg 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