Optometrist Hourly Pay in Biddeford, ME: $63.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Biddeford, ME runs $63.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $132,505 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Biddeford's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.6, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $63.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,499 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Biddeford, Maine, optometrists earn a median hourly rate of $63.70, which is notably lower than the national median of $67.60. This figure represents a solid income for those practicing in various environments, such as private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains, outpatient clinics, or academic settings. For part-time professionals, such as those working three days a week, the hourly rate translates to a decent living while allowing for flexible scheduling, which is often appealing. Additionally, the hourly earnings range from approximately $36.95 for entry-level positions to nearly $87.23 for experienced practitioners, highlighting the potential for significant income growth based on experience and employer type.
About the Biddeford 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) | $36.95 | $295.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.86 | $406.90 |
| Median (P50) | $63.70 | $509.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74.07 | $592.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87.23 | $697.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Biddeford
Based on $63.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.70/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Biddeford, ME can expect to earn approximately $132,499 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,442. With a cost-of-living index of 99.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Biddeford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Biddeford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,548.05 | $11,042 | $132,499 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,528.83 | $6,625 | $79,499 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,019.22 | $4,417 | $53,000 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Biddeford) | $63.70 |
| 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 Biddeford, ME earn a median of $132,505 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.77% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 5.40% below the Maine state average of $140,069.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.70/hr = $79,499/year (purchasing power: $79,819).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $132,499/year (purchasing power: $133,031).
CoL index: 99.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.21/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Biddeford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.21/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $58.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Biddeford grew 18.5% from $52.21/hr (2019) to $61.87/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.59/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 Biddeford 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 Biddeford
For optometrists considering part-time work in Biddeford, the annual income potential for a three-day workweek (24 hours) can reach around $79,161 before taxes, which is substantially less than what a full-time optometrist could earn. Per-diem positions, where optometrists fill in at various clinics, can offer diverse and lucrative options; typically, these professionals may charge between $500 and $800 per day at retail chains and can command rates of $700 to $1,200 in medical settings. Different practice environments yield varying hourly rates: private practices may offer lower hourly wages, but they may provide benefits, while retail chains often pay more for the same hours without health insurance. As optometrists negotiate their roles, understanding the trade-offs between higher hourly pay and associated benefits from full-time positions can significantly impact their financial wellness. Furthermore, insights specific to Biddeford could help in effectively navigating compensation discussions.
More salary data for Biddeford, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Biddeford in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Biddeford?
Are optometrists in Biddeford paid hourly or salary?
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Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Biddeford?
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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 Biddeford. 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 Biddeford 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