Optometrist Hourly Pay in Lebanon, PA: $65.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Lebanon, PA runs $65.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $136,165 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Lebanon's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $67.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,697 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lebanon, Pennsylvania, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to be $65.46 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $67.60. This competitive hourly rate allows for flexible work arrangements, making it feasible for optometrists working part-time—approximately three days a week—to earn a substantial income while enjoying a better work-life balance. The hourly pay ranges from $37.97 for entry-level positions to $91.35 for those at the top of their game, reflecting varied levels of experience and expertise. Typical settings for these professionals include private optometry offices, retail optical chains, and VA outpatient clinics, where the ability to bill patients and manage their schedules can significantly influence earnings. For those considering per-diem opportunities, the hourly structure allows for specific arrangements, depending on the work environment.
About the Lebanon 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) | $37.97 | $303.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.72 | $437.79 |
| Median (P50) | $65.46 | $523.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.62 | $612.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91.35 | $730.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lebanon
Based on $65.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.46/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lebanon, PA can expect to earn approximately $136,161 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,554. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lebanon.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lebanon
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,618.48 | $11,347 | $136,161 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,571.09 | $6,808 | $81,697 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,047.39 | $4,539 | $54,464 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Lebanon) | $65.46 |
| 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 Lebanon, PA earn a median of $136,165 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.16% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.50% below the Pennsylvania state average of $138,238.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.46/hr = $81,697/year (purchasing power: $83,877).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $136,161/year (purchasing power: $139,796).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Lebanon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Lebanon grew 18.5% from $53.65/hr (2019) to $63.58/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.40/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 Lebanon 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 Lebanon
While full-time optometrists in Lebanon can expect consistent annual earnings through steady patient visits, part-time optometrists who work 24 hours a week can still see robust income, though it may not match that of their full-time counterparts. The per diem optometrist pay in Lebanon can vary significantly, with rates ranging from $500 to $1,200 per day based on the practice type—retail optical chains typically bill in a lower range compared to ODs and MDs in practices or hospitals. Various factors influence hourly rates across employer types, and opting for full-time roles often provides the safety net of health benefits, a trade-off some optometrists accept in exchange for potentially lower hourly rates. When negotiating pay, it's crucial for optometrists in Lebanon to understand not just their own worth but also the market conditions, expectations of the practice, and the added value that residency training can bring to their bargaining power.
More salary data for Lebanon, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Lebanon in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Lebanon?
Are optometrists in Lebanon paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Lebanon?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Lebanon?
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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 Lebanon. 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 Lebanon 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