Optometrist Hourly Pay in Newport News, VA: $70.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Newport News, VA runs $70.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $146,240 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Newport News's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $68.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $87,749 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Newport News, Virginia, the optometrist hourly pay stands at a median of $70.31, which is a noticeable increase compared to the national median of $67.60. This higher rate reflects the unique demand for optometric services in the region. For part-time optometrists working three days a week, this hourly rate can translate into substantial earnings, especially considering that many positions exist across diverse settings, including private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and VA outpatient clinics. The hourly range in Newport News varies widely, with entry-level positions typically starting around $40.78, while top earners can command up to $107.77 per hour. These estimates indicate a favorable environment for optometrists in the area, suggesting that the local workforce is well-compensated for their services within the healthcare sector.
About the Newport News Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.78 | $326.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57.34 | $458.71 |
| Median (P50) | $70.31 | $562.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87.11 | $696.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107.77 | $862.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Newport News
Based on $70.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $70.31/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Newport News, VA can expect to earn approximately $146,248 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $84,374. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Newport News.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Newport News
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,812.46 | $12,187 | $146,248 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,687.47 | $7,312 | $87,749 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,124.98 | $4,875 | $58,499 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Newport News) | $70.31 |
| 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 News, VA earn a median of $146,240 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.00% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 0.80% above the Virginia state average of $145,080.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $70.31/hr = $87,749/year (purchasing power: $85,028).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $146,248/year (purchasing power: $141,713).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$57.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$68.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$70.31/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Newport News (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $62.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $62.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $65.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $67.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $68.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Newport News grew 18.5% from $57.63/hr (2019) to $68.29/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $72.39/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 News 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 News
Analyzing the earning potential for part-time optometrists, those working 24 hours a week could see annual take-home income of approximately $87,384, which is competitive yet still less than what full-time colleagues earn. Per diem and locum tenens optometrists in Newport News might find that filling in at retail chains earns them between $500 and $800 per day, while those working in ophthalmology practices can bill between $700 and $1,200 per day. This variability in pay highlights the diverse opportunities along with the trade-offs related to job security and benefits, as some optometrists choose lower hourly pay for roles that offer health insurance and stability. From private optometry to military practice settings, the landscape for hourly pay varies considerably, with negotiable rates reflecting not only experience but also the type of employer. Optometrists aiming to capitalize on their hourly pay should be prepared to negotiate, keeping in mind what particular employer types are currently in demand in Newport News, VA.
More salary data for Newport News, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Newport News in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Newport News?
Are optometrists in Newport News paid hourly or salary?
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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 News. 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 News 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