Optometrist Hourly Pay in Annapolis, MD: $72.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Annapolis, MD runs $72.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $150,325 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Annapolis's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $66.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $90,190 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Annapolis, Maryland, the optometrist hourly pay reaches a median of $72.27, notably higher than the national median of $67.60. This hourly rate supports a range of employment scenarios from full-time positions in private optometry practices to part-time roles in retail optical chains and medical facilities like VA outpatient clinics. For part-time optometrists working three days a week, these hourly earnings can translate into a profitable income while allowing for a flexible schedule. Those at the entry level earn around $41.92 per hour, while more experienced or specialized practitioners can command up to $106.83 per hour, showcasing a diverse compensation spectrum within the field.
About the Annapolis Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($145,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41.92 | $335.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56.97 | $455.74 |
| Median (P50) | $72.27 | $578.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.95 | $671.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106.83 | $854.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Annapolis
Based on $72.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $72.27/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Annapolis, MD can expect to earn approximately $150,317 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $86,721. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Annapolis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Annapolis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,890.70 | $12,526 | $150,317 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,734.42 | $7,516 | $90,190 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,156.28 | $5,011 | $60,127 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Annapolis) | $72.27 |
| 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 Annapolis, MD earn a median of $150,325 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.91% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.20% below the Maryland state average of $153,706.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $72.27/hr = $90,190/year (purchasing power: $82,516).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $150,317/year (purchasing power: $137,527).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$59.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$70.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$72.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Annapolis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $60.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $63.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $64.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $67.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $74.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $70.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Annapolis grew 18.5% from $59.23/hr (2019) to $70.19/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $74.41/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 Annapolis 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 Annapolis
When considering full-time versus part-time work, a part-time optometrist in Annapolis working a 24-hour week can expect to take home a significantly different annual income compared to their full-time counterparts. Many per diem optometrists in the area find that their fill-in shifts at retail locations yield between $500 to $800 per day, while those filling in for OD/MD practices can make anywhere from $700 to $1,200 daily. Residencies lead to demand for specialized optics roles, especially in hospital systems, where hourly rates can range from $90 to $130. Different employers also affect pay rates, with private practices often offering lower hourly wages than corporate chains, which can attract optometrists looking for higher compensation without health benefits. As such, some professionals weigh the trade-offs of hourly pay against benefits like health insurance, which may be more favorable in settings with lower pay rates, guiding their negotiations for more advantageous terms in Annapolis's evolving optometry landscape.
More salary data for Annapolis, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Annapolis in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Annapolis?
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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 Annapolis. 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 Annapolis 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