Optometrist Hourly Pay in Meriden, CT: $72.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Meriden, CT runs $72.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $149,789 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Meriden's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $66.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $89,869 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Meriden, Connecticut, the projected optometrist hourly rate for 2026 stands at $72.01, significantly above the national standard of $67.60. This rate presents lucrative opportunities for both part-time and per-diem optometrists working in diverse settings like retail optical chains, private exam rooms, and educational clinics. Those entering the field can expect hourly wages starting around $42.31, while seasoned professionals can command up to $103.57 per hour. With the average working hours typically ranging from 24 to 40 hours a week, this level of pay allows for a comfortable living while catering to varying lifestyle choices, such as part-time positions that are ideal for those balancing other professional commitments.
About the Meriden 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) | $42.31 | $338.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59.26 | $474.11 |
| Median (P50) | $72.01 | $576.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85.56 | $684.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103.57 | $828.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Meriden
Based on $72.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $72.01/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Meriden, CT can expect to earn approximately $149,781 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $86,412. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Meriden.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Meriden
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,880.41 | $12,482 | $149,781 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,728.25 | $7,489 | $89,869 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,152.16 | $4,993 | $59,913 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Meriden) | $72.01 |
| 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 Meriden, CT earn a median of $149,789 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.53% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.30% below the Connecticut state average of $151,762.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $72.01/hr = $89,869/year (purchasing power: $83,289).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $149,781/year (purchasing power: $138,815).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$59.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$69.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$72.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Meriden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $60.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $63.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $64.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $67.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $74.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $69.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Meriden grew 18.5% from $59.02/hr (2019) to $69.94/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $74.14/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 Meriden 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 Meriden
When considering part-time roles, an optometrist working three days a week may earn around $72,000 annually, taking into account the part-time nature of their schedule versus a full-time commitment. Per diem optometrists in Meriden can expect to see daily compensation ranging from $500 to $1,200, significantly buoyed by the type of employer. For instance, private practices, retail chains, and hospital systems all offer different environments and pay scales that can influence earnings. While some optometrists may accept lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, others might prioritize higher rates without benefits. As demand for optometry services continues to grow, bargaining for competitive rates can be advantageous, especially in a city like Meriden where the local market supports various practice modalities.
More salary data for Meriden, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Meriden in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Meriden?
Are optometrists in Meriden 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 Meriden. 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 Meriden 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