Optometrist Hourly Pay in Lewiston, ME: $66.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Lewiston, ME runs $66.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $137,962 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Lewiston's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.6, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $66.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,776 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lewiston, Maine, the typical pay for optometrists is projected to average $66.33 per hour in 2026, showing a minor discrepancy when compared to the national average of $67.60 per hour. This wage suggests flexibility for part-time practitioners who may work three days a week; with a structured schedule of around 24 hours, their potential earnings could reach a solid yearly income while maintaining work-life balance. The hourly rates for optometrists in this region vary significantly, with entry-level positions earning approximately $38.47, while experienced professionals can command up to $94.88 per hour. The estimates rely on annual salary data but reflect the diverse environments in which optometrists thrive, including private practices, retail optical chains, and specialized healthcare facilities.
About the Lewiston 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) | $38.47 | $307.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.87 | $422.96 |
| Median (P50) | $66.33 | $530.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79.05 | $632.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94.88 | $759.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lewiston
Based on $66.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.33/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lewiston, ME can expect to earn approximately $137,960 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,592. With a cost-of-living index of 99.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lewiston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lewiston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,653.07 | $11,497 | $137,960 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,591.84 | $6,898 | $82,776 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,061.23 | $4,599 | $55,184 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Lewiston) | $66.33 |
| 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 Lewiston, ME earn a median of $137,962 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.88% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.50% below the Maine state average of $140,063.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.33/hr = $82,776/year (purchasing power: $83,108).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $137,960/year (purchasing power: $138,514).
CoL index: 99.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$54.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Lewiston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $61.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Lewiston grew 18.5% from $54.36/hr (2019) to $64.42/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.29/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 Lewiston 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 Lewiston
For those considering part-time work or per-diem opportunities, the financial dynamics can be rewarding yet complex. An optometrist working 24 hours a week in Lewiston might earn around $83,358 annually, compared to full-time peers who log 40 hours weekly, essentially doubling that figure. Per diem optometrists in the area might enjoy flexible contracts with lucrative day rates; retail chains often pay between $500 and $800 per day, while those in specialty practices can earn from $700 to $1,200 per fill-in shift. Additionally, employment settings influence pay scales, with solo practices and group optometry offering different compensation structures compared to larger retail chains or VA facilities. As many ODs consider the balance of hourly wages with benefits, negotiating compensation becomes key, especially for those prioritizing health insurance over higher hourly pay. Understanding these dynamics is essential for new graduates and seasoned optometrists alike in Lewiston, ME.
More salary data for Lewiston, ME:
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 Lewiston. 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 Lewiston 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