Optometrist Hourly Pay in Naugatuck, CT: $69.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Naugatuck, CT runs $69.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $145,386 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Naugatuck's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $64.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $87,235 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Naugatuck, Connecticut, the projected median optometrist hourly pay for 2026 is $69.90, exceeding the national median of $67.60. This competitive wage provides an appealing option for part-time and per-diem professionals working in diverse settings such as retail optical chain locations, private optometry offices, and VA outpatient clinics. For individuals considering a part-time schedule of three days a week, this rate translates to a solid weekly income, while those in temporary roles can enjoy flexible hours and varied work environments. Entry-level optometrists in Naugatuck may expect to earn around $41.26 per hour, while established practitioners commanding extensive experience can see hourly rates rise to $100.54—creating a distinct earning trajectory based on skill and experience levels.
About the Naugatuck 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) | $41.26 | $330.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56.06 | $448.49 |
| Median (P50) | $69.90 | $559.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.63 | $669.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100.54 | $804.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Naugatuck
Based on $69.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $69.90/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Naugatuck, CT can expect to earn approximately $145,391 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $83,879. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Naugatuck.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Naugatuck
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,795.98 | $12,116 | $145,391 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,677.59 | $7,270 | $87,235 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,118.39 | $4,846 | $58,156 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Naugatuck) | $69.90 |
| 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 Naugatuck, CT earn a median of $145,386 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.40% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 4.20% below the Connecticut state average of $151,760.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $69.90/hr = $87,235/year (purchasing power: $80,848).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $145,391/year (purchasing power: $134,746).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$57.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$67.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$69.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Naugatuck (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $62.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $65.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $72.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $67.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Naugatuck grew 18.5% from $57.29/hr (2019) to $67.89/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $71.97/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 Naugatuck 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 Naugatuck
Exploring part-time earnings further, an optometrist working 24 hours a week could potentially realize an annual income near $103,000, significantly lower than a full-time optometrist's earnings but still a stable income for many. Per diem optometrists in Naugatuck can anticipate billing between $500 and $1,200 per day, depending on the setting, with residency-trained professionals often achieving higher rates. The hourly rates vary widely based on employer type; private practices might offer a more predictable income, while retail chains may present opportunities for quick fill-ins at competitive pay. Those opting for lower hourly rates with benefits should also weigh the trade-offs carefully, especially in relation to ongoing professional needs. Negotiating effectively can yield better pay: arriving equipped with knowledge about current rates in the area and articulating the value of specialized training can empower optometrists to achieve more competitive compensation in Naugatuck's market.
More salary data for Naugatuck, 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 Naugatuck. 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 Naugatuck 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