Optometrist Hourly Pay in Portland, ME: $79.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Portland, ME runs $79.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $165,992 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Portland's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.9, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $78.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $99,596 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Portland, ME, the optometrist hourly pay stands at $79.80, which is significantly higher than the national hourly median of $67.60. This elevated rate allows for an attractive earning potential for both part-time and per-diem optometrists. Those working part-time three days a week might see their income fluctuate based on patient volume and practice type, benefiting from the higher rates available in various settings such as private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and outpatient clinics. The hourly range for optometrists in Portland extends from $54.03 for entry-level positions to $106.03 for more experienced professionals, reflecting the diverse opportunities available within the field.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54.03 | $432.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57.92 | $463.32 |
| Median (P50) | $79.80 | $638.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87.93 | $703.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106.03 | $848.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Portland
Based on $79.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $79.80/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Portland, ME can expect to earn approximately $165,993 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $95,765. With a cost-of-living index of 101.86 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Portland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Portland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,192.17 | $13,833 | $165,993 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,915.30 | $8,300 | $99,596 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,276.87 | $5,533 | $66,397 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Portland) | $79.80 |
| 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 Portland, ME earn a median of $165,992 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.05% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 18.50% above the Maine state average of $140,078.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $79.80/hr = $99,596/year (purchasing power: $97,779).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $165,993/year (purchasing power: $162,965).
CoL index: 101.858 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$53.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$77.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$79.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Portland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $65.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $77.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Portland grew 45.1% from $53.42/hr (2019) to $77.51/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $82.17/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 Portland 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 Portland
Considering the part-time earning potential, an optometrist working 24 hours a week could take home a respectable income over the course of a year, but it would still fall short of a full-time salary. Many fill-in optometrists, or those working per diem, often charge agency rates ranging from $500 to $800 per day at retail locations, while those at OD/MD practices could earn between $700 to $1,200 for a single day. Moreover, the compensation can vary considerably across employer types, with private practices and hospital systems offering different hourly rates. Some optometrists make a conscious choice to accept lower hourly pay in favor of job security and health benefits typical of full-time positions. For those negotiating hourly contracts in Portland, emphasis on skills like residency training or special certifications may provide leverage for higher rates, particularly given the evolving scope of practice in optometry.
More salary data for Portland, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Portland in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Portland?
Are optometrists in Portland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Portland?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Portland?
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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 Portland. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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