Optometrist Hourly Pay in Wilkes-Barre, PA: $65.39 (2026)

For those considering part-time work, an optometrist in a three-day workweek scenario (approximately 24 hours) can expect an earnings potential that, while not as high as full-time employment, can still offer substantial take-home pay compared to full-time peers. Per diem opportunities also present lucrative earning scenarios, with fill-in optometrists at retail chains billing anywhere from $500 to $800 per day, and those in OD/MD practices potentially making between $700 and $1,200 daily. These per diem rates can significantly skew hourly compensation, especially when factoring in roles such as residency-trained ocular disease optometrists, who may command rates between $90 and $130. The choice of employer strongly influences the pay structure; while retail chains may offer lower hourly rates, they often come with additional benefits such as health insurance, prompting some to accept lower wages for job security. For ODs negotiating hourly pay in Wilkes-Barre, emphasizing unique qualifications, such as specialties mandated by AOA guidelines or enhanced scopes of practice, can aid in securing a more favorable compensation package.