Optometrist Hourly Pay in Bridgeport, CT: $74.86 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Bridgeport, CT runs $74.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $155,708 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Bridgeport's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $69.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $93,428 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bridgeport, Connecticut, the optometrist hourly pay stands at a median rate of $74.86, significantly above the national figure of $67.60. This increased compensation can make a considerable difference for part-time practitioners who work in settings such as private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains, VA outpatient clinics, or university teaching clinics. For example, an optometrist working three days a week might take home a substantial amount, while the hourly range varies from $43.42 for entry-level positions to $109.91 for seasoned professionals. The estimated hourly rates for optometrists reflect their annual earnings, providing a clearer picture for those considering part-time or per-diem work in Bridgeport's dynamic eye care landscape.
About the Bridgeport Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($145,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43.42 | $347.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58.23 | $465.87 |
| Median (P50) | $74.86 | $598.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89.88 | $719.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109.91 | $879.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bridgeport
Based on $74.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $74.86/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bridgeport, CT can expect to earn approximately $155,713 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $89,835. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bridgeport.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bridgeport
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,994.49 | $12,976 | $155,713 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,796.69 | $7,786 | $93,428 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,197.80 | $5,190 | $62,285 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Bridgeport) | $74.86 |
| 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 Bridgeport, CT earn a median of $155,708 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.74% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.60% above the Connecticut state average of $151,763.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $74.86/hr = $93,428/year (purchasing power: $86,588).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $155,713/year (purchasing power: $144,313).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$72.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$74.86/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+135.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Bridgeport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $62.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $66.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $73.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $80.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $77.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $72.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Bridgeport grew 122.4% from $32.70/hr (2019) to $72.71/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $77.08/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 Bridgeport 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 Bridgeport
Optometrists in Bridgeport looking for part-time opportunities can expect to earn a decent income even if they choose to work only three days a week, potentially leading to earnings that can complement full-time roles. Per diem optometrist pay in this area can vary widely, with professionals commonly billing as much as $500-$800 a day at retail chains, and $700-$1,200 a day at OD/MD practices. Those with advanced training, particularly in ocular disease, can see rates of $90-$130/hr. Additionally, hourly rates shift across employer types, from private practices to retail chains like LensCrafters and Visionworks, and even within military health systems or VA medical centers. Optometrists must carefully weigh the benefits of consistent employment that may offer health insurance against the higher hourly rates available in private or per diem roles. Negotiation becomes essential, especially for hourly workers in Bridgeport, where knowledge of local pay scales and practice options can empower optometrists to maximize their compensation.
More salary data for Bridgeport, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Bridgeport. 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 Bridgeport 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