Optometrist Hourly Pay in Stamford, CT: $72.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Stamford, CT runs $72.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $151,184 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Stamford's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $67.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $90,717 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Stamford, Connecticut, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to reach $72.69 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $67.60. This elevated hourly rate reflects the competitive nature of the optometry field in CT and allows for flexible working arrangements, appealing especially to part-time optometrists who may work three days a week. In a typical schedule of 24 hours per week, these professionals can earn a substantial income while maintaining a work-life balance. The hourly compensation for optometrists in Stamford ranges from $42.16 at the lower end (P10) to $109.56 for those at the top of their profession (P90). This pay structure not only rewards experience and specialization but also positions Stamford favorably when compared to other regions.
About the Stamford 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) | $42.16 | $337.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58.31 | $466.45 |
| Median (P50) | $72.69 | $581.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89.13 | $713.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109.56 | $876.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Stamford
Based on $72.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $72.69/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Stamford, CT can expect to earn approximately $151,195 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $87,228. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Stamford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Stamford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,907.59 | $12,600 | $151,195 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,744.55 | $7,560 | $90,717 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,163.04 | $5,040 | $60,478 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Stamford) | $72.69 |
| 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 Stamford, CT earn a median of $151,184 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.52% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 0.40% below the Connecticut state average of $151,792.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $72.69/hr = $90,717/year (purchasing power: $84,075).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $151,195/year (purchasing power: $140,125).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$59.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$70.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$72.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Stamford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $61.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $64.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $64.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $68.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $74.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $70.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Stamford grew 18.5% from $59.58/hr (2019) to $70.60/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $74.84/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 Stamford 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 Stamford
Earnings potential for part-time optometrists in Stamford may vary significantly when compared to full-time colleagues. Those who opt for a three-day work schedule could potentially earn over $73,000 annually, an appealing amount for many. Per diem optometrists face a different financial landscape; they typically charge between $500-$800 per day for retail chain positions, while fill-in roles at OD/MD practices can net between $700-$1,200 daily. Hourly rates can differ widely based on the type of employer as well, with retail optical chains like LensCrafters and Walmart Vision offering varying compensation compared to private practices. While some optometrists may choose lower hourly wages for the inclusion of benefits such as health insurance, others might pursue higher pay without them. Understanding negotiation tactics specific to the Stamford market can also equip optometrists with the skills needed to maximize their earning potential.
More salary data for Stamford, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Stamford in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Stamford?
Are optometrists in Stamford paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Stamford?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Stamford?
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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 Stamford. 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 Stamford 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