Optometrist Hourly Pay in Bangor, ME: $64.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Bangor, ME runs $64.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $134,028 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Bangor's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.6, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $64.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,412 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Bangor, Maine, can expect a median hourly rate of $64.43, which is slightly below the national median of $67.60. This hourly pay reflects potential earnings for both full-time and part-time practitioners, including those who may choose to work three days a week or on a per-diem basis across various settings. With an hourly range spanning from $37.89 for entry-level positions to $92.37 for top earners, professionals in this field can find ample opportunity in private optometry practices, retail optical chains, VA outpatient clinics, and academic institutions. The hourly values are estimated from annual salary data and indicate the flexibility available to optometrists when considering their employment options in Bangor.
About the Bangor Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.89 | $303.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.01 | $424.11 |
| Median (P50) | $64.43 | $515.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78.50 | $627.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92.37 | $738.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bangor
Based on $64.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.43/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bangor, ME can expect to earn approximately $134,019 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,319. With a cost-of-living index of 99.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bangor.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bangor
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,577.29 | $11,168 | $134,019 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,546.38 | $6,701 | $80,412 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,030.92 | $4,467 | $53,608 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Bangor) | $64.43 |
| 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 Bangor, ME earn a median of $134,028 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.68% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 4.30% below the Maine state average of $140,050.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.43/hr = $80,412/year (purchasing power: $80,735).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $134,019/year (purchasing power: $134,558).
CoL index: 99.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$51.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Bangor (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Bangor grew 21.4% from $51.53/hr (2019) to $62.58/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.34/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 Bangor 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 Bangor
The earning potential for part-time optometrists in Bangor highlights a significant difference in annual take-home pay compared to those working full-time hours. For instance, a part-time optometrist working 24 hours a week may take home considerably less than their full-time counterparts, impacting their lifestyle and financial planning. Per diem optometrists often negotiate daily bills—ranging from $500-$800 at retail optical locations and up to $1,200 in hospital settings, depending on their experience and specialties. Hourly rates may vary based on the type of employer; positions in ophthalmology practices might offer higher rates than standard retail chains. Some practitioners may choose lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits like health insurance, a common trade-off in this field. For those navigating job offers, understanding the balance between hourly wages and additional benefits is key to securing an optimal position in Bangor’s evolving optometry market.
More salary data for Bangor, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Bangor in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Bangor?
Are optometrists in Bangor paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Bangor?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Bangor?
Related Pages
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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 Bangor. 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 Bangor 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