Optometrist Hourly Pay in Shelton, CT: $69.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Shelton, CT runs $69.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $143,542 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Shelton's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $63.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $86,130 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Shelton, Connecticut, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to be $69.01 in 2026, surpassing the national hourly median of $67.60. For those seeking part-time employment, such as working three days a week, this translates into a substantial hourly rate that allows for flexibility while still providing a competitive income. On an hourly basis, an entry-level optometrist can expect to earn about $40.03, while those with advanced experience or specialized training can command up to $96.96 per hour. The diversity in optometry practice locations, including private exam rooms, retail chains, and university clinics, further influences pay scales and opportunities for per-diem work, making this a dynamic field for both seasoned professionals and new graduates.
About the Shelton 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) | $40.03 | $320.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55.43 | $443.47 |
| Median (P50) | $69.01 | $552.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82.67 | $661.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96.96 | $775.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Shelton
Based on $69.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $69.01/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Shelton, CT can expect to earn approximately $143,549 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $82,817. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Shelton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Shelton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,760.56 | $11,962 | $143,549 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,656.34 | $7,177 | $86,130 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,104.23 | $4,785 | $57,420 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Shelton) | $69.01 |
| 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 Shelton, CT earn a median of $143,542 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.08% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 5.40% below the Connecticut state average of $151,735.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $69.01/hr = $86,130/year (purchasing power: $79,824).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $143,549/year (purchasing power: $133,039).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$56.57/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$67.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$69.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Shelton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.57/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.94/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $74.47/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $67.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Shelton grew 18.5% from $56.57/hr (2019) to $67.03/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $71.06/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 Shelton 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 Shelton
For part-time optometrists working in Shelton, earning potential varies significantly when juxtaposed against full-time positions. An optometrist working 24 hours a week can take home substantial income, yet may find that their overall annual earnings differ significantly based on hours worked. Per-diem optometrist pay in Shelton often ranges from $500 to $800 daily at retail locations, and can reach upwards of $1,200 in specialty OD/MD practices or within agency positions. However, those benefits often come with trade-offs; for instance, while higher hourly rates might be enticing, they typically lack the security and health benefits associated with full-time roles. Depending on the employer type, which can vary from private practices to larger retail chains or healthcare systems, the negotiation for hourly rates may hinge on flexible scheduling versus comprehensive benefits, particularly as the scope of optometry continues to broaden.
More salary data for Shelton, 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 Shelton. 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 Shelton 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