Optometrist Hourly Pay in New Haven, CT: $74.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in New Haven, CT runs $74.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $155,099 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against New Haven's regional price level (BEA RPP 104.6, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $71.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $93,055 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In New Haven, Connecticut, optometrists earn a median hourly rate of $74.56, which is significantly above the national hourly median of $67.60. This competitive rate offers a favorable environment for both full-time and part-time practitioners, where even those working three days a week can enjoy a robust income. For per-diem optometrists, who work on an as-needed basis in various settings like retail optical chains, private practices, and outpatient clinics, the flexibility of hours can yield substantial returns. The hourly earnings range from $47.79 for entry-level positions to $109.08 for the highest earners, as reported by official BLS data. Such diversity in hourly compensation reflects the varying responsibilities and settings in which optometrists operate, whether in specialized clinics, teaching roles, or retail environments across New Haven.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47.79 | $382.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66.98 | $535.80 |
| Median (P50) | $74.56 | $596.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78.19 | $625.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109.08 | $872.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in New Haven
Based on $74.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $74.56/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in New Haven, CT can expect to earn approximately $155,092 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $89,476. With a cost-of-living index of 104.56 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in New Haven.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in New Haven
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,982.55 | $12,924 | $155,092 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,789.53 | $7,755 | $93,055 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,193.02 | $5,170 | $62,037 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (New Haven) | $74.56 |
| 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 New Haven, CT earn a median of $155,099 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.30% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.20% above the Connecticut state average of $151,760.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $74.56/hr = $93,055/year (purchasing power: $88,998).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $155,092/year (purchasing power: $148,330).
CoL index: 104.559 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$64.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$72.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$74.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+18.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in New Haven (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $72.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $66.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $69.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $78.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $72.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in New Haven grew 11.5% from $64.96/hr (2019) to $72.42/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $76.77/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 New Haven 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 New Haven
Part-time optometrists working in New Haven for 24 hours a week could see their annual income, even at this competitive rate, remain lower than their full-time peers. For example, a practitioner in a per diem role can bill anywhere between $500 and $800 per day in retail settings, while more specialized locum tenens positions can bring in upwards of $700 to $1,200 per day, particularly in OD/MD practice setups. The hourly rates can differ significantly depending on the setting; private practices, retail chains like LensCrafters or Visionworks, and VA medical centers each have their compensation dynamics. While some optometrists may opt for lower hourly pay for the benefits associated with full-time employment, others may prefer the higher rate of per diem roles without health insurance. For those negotiating hourly pay in New Haven, understanding these nuances and emphasizing one's qualifications—especially for residency-trained professionals—can provide leverage in achieving more favorable terms.
More salary data for New Haven, 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 New Haven. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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