Optometrist Hourly Pay in Newport, RI: $65.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Newport, RI runs $65.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $135,854 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Newport's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $64.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,517 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Newport, RI, optometrists earn a median hourly rate of $65.32, which reflects a slight decrease compared to the national median of $67.60. This hourly figure allows for flexibility, appealing to part-time practitioners working three days a week in various settings such as private clinics, retail optical chains, and VA outpatient eye clinics. For those opting for per-diem positions, the compensation can differ significantly, with entry-level pay starting at approximately $37.88 per hour and top-tier earners reaching up to $94.35 per hour. Various factors influence these rates, including the type of practice and the specific responsibilities undertaken, but the data shows that hourly rates are derived from estimated annual salaries across the industry, providing a reliable overview of the earning potential for optometrists in Newport.
About the Newport Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.88 | $303.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.63 | $421.07 |
| Median (P50) | $65.32 | $522.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78.40 | $627.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94.35 | $754.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Newport
Based on $65.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.32/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Newport, RI can expect to earn approximately $135,861 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,381. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Newport.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Newport
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,612.71 | $11,322 | $135,861 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,567.63 | $6,793 | $81,517 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,045.09 | $4,529 | $54,344 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Newport) | $65.32 |
| 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 Newport, RI earn a median of $135,854 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.38% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.90% below the Rhode Island state average of $141,367.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.32/hr = $81,517/year (purchasing power: $81,111).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $135,861/year (purchasing power: $135,185).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$53.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Newport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Newport grew 18.5% from $53.54/hr (2019) to $63.44/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.25/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 Newport 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 Newport
Considering the dynamics of part-time work, an optometrist in Newport working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) could expect a different annual take-home compared to full-time colleagues. Per-diem optometrists often command daily rates ranging from $500 to $1,200, depending on the nature of their employment—retail chains typically offer lower pay than multi-doctor practices or hospitals. For residency-trained professionals who specialize in ocular diseases, pay can ascend to $90-$130 per hour, indicating a premium for advanced training aligned with modern scope-of-practice expansions within optometry. While an optometrist might accept a lower hourly wage for full-time jobs that come with health benefits, an independent contractor role might offer a higher hourly rate without such perks. For those negotiating pay in Newport, emphasizing niche skills or advanced certifications can provide leverage in discussions, ensuring they receive compensation that aligns with their expertise and local market standards.
More salary data for Newport, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Newport 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 Newport. 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 Newport 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