Optometrist Hourly Pay in South Portland, ME: $79.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in South Portland, ME runs $79.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $165,282 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against South Portland's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.6, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $79.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $99,172 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Portland, Maine, the projected median hourly wage for optometrists in 2026 stands at $79.46, significantly above the national median of $67.60. This elevated pay level provides attractive opportunities for part-time optometrists and those working per diem in various settings, such as private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and veterans' outpatient clinics. Part-time workers, when scheduled for three days a week, can expect to earn a substantial hourly pay that reflects both their expertise and local demand for services. The lower end of the hourly range starts at $47.59, offering entry-level positions a pathway into the profession, while seasoned practitioners can command hourly rates reaching up to $115.51, indicating the potential for lucrative earnings based on experience and specialization.
About the South Portland 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) | $47.59 | $380.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64.48 | $515.87 |
| Median (P50) | $79.46 | $635.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95.82 | $766.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $115.51 | $924.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Portland
Based on $79.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $79.46/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Portland, ME can expect to earn approximately $165,286 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $95,357. With a cost-of-living index of 99.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in South Portland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Portland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,178.58 | $13,774 | $165,286 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,907.15 | $8,264 | $99,172 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,271.43 | $5,510 | $66,114 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (South Portland) | $79.46 |
| 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 South Portland, ME earn a median of $165,282 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.54% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 18.00% above the Maine state average of $140,069.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $79.46/hr = $99,172/year (purchasing power: $99,570).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $165,286/year (purchasing power: $165,950).
CoL index: 99.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$65.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$77.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$79.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in South Portland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $66.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $70.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $70.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $74.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $60.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $77.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in South Portland grew 18.5% from $65.13/hr (2019) to $77.18/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $81.82/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 South 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 South Portland
Looking at the annual earnings potential, a part-time optometrist working 24 hours per week can realistically bring home about $61,970, significantly less than their full-time counterparts who enjoy full-time benefits and higher overall compensation. Per diem optometrists in South Portland often earn between $500 and $800 per day at retail chains, and in OD/MD practices, they may command anywhere from $700 to $1,200 per day, depending on the clinic's location and patient volume. The hourly rates vary widely across different employment types, with private practices generally offering competitive pay compared to retail chains, which may prioritize volume over hourly compensation. In negotiating terms, it's crucial for optometrists to weigh the benefits of health insurance against higher hourly rates without benefits, understanding that job security and benefits might come at the expense of a higher hourly wage. With shifts in employment dynamics, including acquisitions by larger entities, professionals equipped with residency training can find their expertise highly valued in this evolving market.
More salary data for South Portland, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in South Portland in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in South Portland?
Are optometrists in South Portland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in South Portland?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in South Portland?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Maine
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 South 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
Salary data for South Portland 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