Optometrist Hourly Pay in New London, CT: $70.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in New London, CT runs $70.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $146,127 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against New London's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $65.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $87,672 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In New London, Connecticut, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to be $70.25 in 2026, which is competitive when compared to the national median of $67.60. This figure provides significant earning potential for those considering part-time work or per-diem positions, enabling optometrists to thrive in various settings, such as private practices, retail optical chains, and VA outpatient clinics. With a range from $41.75 in the lowest percentile to $101.73 for top earners, the pay scale reflects the diversity of roles and responsibilities within this profession. It is important to note that these hourly rates are estimated based on annual salary figures and can vary across different working environments, from bustling retail locations like LensCrafters to specialized clinical settings.
About the New London 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) | $41.75 | $334.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58.34 | $466.70 |
| Median (P50) | $70.25 | $562.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84.48 | $675.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101.73 | $813.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in New London
Based on $70.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $70.25/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in New London, CT can expect to earn approximately $146,119 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $84,300. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in New London.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in New London
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,809.98 | $12,177 | $146,119 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,685.99 | $7,306 | $87,672 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,123.99 | $4,871 | $58,448 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (New London) | $70.25 |
| 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 London, CT earn a median of $146,127 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.92% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 3.70% below the Connecticut state average of $151,741.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $70.25/hr = $87,672/year (purchasing power: $81,253).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $146,119/year (purchasing power: $135,421).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$57.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$68.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$70.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in New London (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $62.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $62.74/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $65.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $72.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $68.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in New London grew 18.5% from $57.58/hr (2019) to $68.23/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $72.33/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 London 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 London
Considering part-time opportunities, an optometrist working three days a week (around 24 hours) can take home a salary that significantly differs from full-time peers, illustrating how flexible schedules can impact annual income. In the realm of per diem and locum tenens positions, optometrists might command daily rates ranging from $500 to $1,200, depending on their work environment and patient caseload. For those employed in New London’s diverse settings—whether it's a solo practice, a retail chain, or an OD/MD integrated model—the hourly rates can significantly vary; for instance, a private practice might offer different compensation compared to a military health system. Some optometrists choose lower hourly rates for the benefits of health insurance and stability, while others may prefer higher pay without benefits for increased flexibility. For optimal negotiation, understanding the local market dynamics can create advantageous scenarios for hourly workers in New London, making it crucial to stay informed about employer practices and compensation structures in this evolving field.
More salary data for New London, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in New London in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in New London?
Are optometrists in New London 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 New London. 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 New London 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