Optometrist Hourly Pay in Middletown, CT: $72.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Middletown, CT runs $72.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $150,106 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Middletown's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $66.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $90,062 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the optometrist hourly pay in Middletown, Connecticut is projected at $72.16, which surpasses the national hourly median of $67.60. This higher hourly rate reflects the demand for optometrists in the area across various employment settings such as private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains, and VA outpatient eye clinics. Part-time optometrists working three days a week can expect substantial annual compensation relative to their hours, while per-diem workers may benefit from the flexibility of working in diverse clinical environments. The hourly earnings for optometrists in Middletown range from $41.85 for entry-level positions to $103.85 for those at the top of their field, highlighting the earning potential based on experience and specific practice settings.
About the Middletown 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) | $41.85 | $334.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57.90 | $463.24 |
| Median (P50) | $72.16 | $577.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86.38 | $691.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103.85 | $830.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Middletown
Based on $72.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $72.16/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Middletown, CT can expect to earn approximately $150,103 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $86,598. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Middletown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Middletown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,886.59 | $12,509 | $150,103 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,731.95 | $7,505 | $90,062 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,154.63 | $5,003 | $60,041 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Middletown) | $72.16 |
| 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 Middletown, CT earn a median of $150,106 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.75% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.10% below the Connecticut state average of $151,776.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $72.16/hr = $90,062/year (purchasing power: $83,468).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $150,103/year (purchasing power: $139,113).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$59.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$70.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$72.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Middletown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59.15/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $60.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $63.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $64.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $67.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $74.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $70.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Middletown grew 18.5% from $59.15/hr (2019) to $70.09/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $74.30/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 Middletown 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 Middletown
When considering their financial trajectory, part-time optometrists working 24 hours a week can still make a competitive living without the full-time commitment, though their annual earnings will naturally differ from full-time professionals. Per diem optometrist pay in Middletown can be particularly lucrative; while retail chains may offer daily rates of $500 to $800, fill-in positions in OD/MD practices may command even higher rates of $700 to $1,200 per day. Factors such as employer type significantly influence hourly rates, with private practices potentially offering lower pay than hospital systems or retail chains but providing benefits such as health insurance. Understanding the trade-offs between hourly rates and benefits is critical for optometrists. As they negotiate their pay, focusing on factors like working conditions, hours, and additional perks can lead to optimal compensation tailored to individual preferences and career goals.
More salary data for Middletown, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Middletown in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Middletown?
Are optometrists in Middletown paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Middletown?
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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 Middletown. 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 Middletown 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