Optometrist Hourly Pay in Manchester, CT: $73.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Manchester, CT runs $73.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $153,010 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Manchester's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $68.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $91,809 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Manchester, CT, the optometrist hourly pay stands at a robust $73.56, significantly higher than the national average of $67.60. This pay level offers appealing prospects for part-time and per-diem optometrists, allowing those who choose to work three days a week, usually around 24 hours, to earn a competitive wage while maintaining flexibility. This hourly rate varies considerably, with entry-level positions typically starting at around $42.67, while top earners can command as much as $108.94 per hour. Optometrists often work in various settings, including private optometry practices, retail chains full of busy foot traffic, and outpatient clinics in the VA system, allowing for diverse experiences and pay scales across the profession.
About the Manchester 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) | $42.67 | $341.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58.02 | $464.14 |
| Median (P50) | $73.56 | $588.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89.29 | $714.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108.94 | $871.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Manchester
Based on $73.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $73.56/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Manchester, CT can expect to earn approximately $153,015 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $88,278. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Manchester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Manchester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,942.60 | $12,751 | $153,015 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,765.56 | $7,651 | $91,809 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,177.04 | $5,101 | $61,206 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Manchester) | $73.56 |
| 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 Manchester, CT earn a median of $153,010 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.82% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 0.80% above the Connecticut state average of $151,796.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $73.56/hr = $91,809/year (purchasing power: $85,087).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $153,015/year (purchasing power: $141,812).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$60.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$71.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$73.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Manchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $61.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $65.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $65.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $68.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $75.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $71.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Manchester grew 18.5% from $60.30/hr (2019) to $71.45/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $75.74/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 Manchester 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 Manchester
The potential earnings for a part-time optometrist working in Manchester can be lucrative, as those committing to three days a week can still accumulate an annual income that exceeds many full-time roles, given the significant hourly rate. Per diem optometrists in retail settings often invoice fees ranging from $500 to $800 for daily shifts, while those filling in at OD/MD practices may earn between $700 and $1,200 per day. Further, residency-trained optometrists focusing on ocular diseases can secure rates from $90 to $130 per hour, which can yield substantial income on a flexible schedule. In Manchester, the optometrist hourly rate can also differ based on employer type; those in private practices usually earn less than their counterparts in corporate settings or hospitals. With healthcare benefits often included in full-time packages, some optometrists might opt for slightly lower hourly pay to secure stability. Negotiating terms remains crucial; professionals are advised to weigh the benefits of higher pay against comprehensive coverage options based on their personal and professional preferences.
More salary data for Manchester, 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 Manchester. 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 Manchester 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