Optometrist Hourly Pay in Catonsville, MD: $70.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Catonsville, MD runs $70.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $146,736 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Catonsville's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $64.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $88,044 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Catonsville, Maryland, the optometrist hourly rate stands at $70.55, indicating a competitive pay structure compared to the national median hourly rate of $67.60. This favorable compensation is particularly impactful for part-time optometrists who might work three days a week, as well as those seeking per-diem opportunities in various settings, including private optometry practices, retail chains, and outpatient clinics. The hourly wage ranges significantly in Catonsville, from $41.21 for entry-level practitioners to $100.81 for seasoned professionals, illustrating a robust market dynamic that allows for increased earning potential as optometrists gain experience and build their clientele. Such rates are derived from annually projected data, reflecting the current valuation of optometric services and the expanding scope of practice in the field.
About the Catonsville 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) | $41.21 | $329.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57.83 | $462.66 |
| Median (P50) | $70.55 | $564.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85.75 | $685.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100.81 | $806.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Catonsville
Based on $70.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $70.55/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Catonsville, MD can expect to earn approximately $146,740 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $84,658. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Catonsville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Catonsville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,821.93 | $12,228 | $146,740 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,693.16 | $7,337 | $88,044 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,128.77 | $4,891 | $58,696 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Catonsville) | $70.55 |
| 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 Catonsville, MD earn a median of $146,736 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.36% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 4.50% below the Maryland state average of $153,650.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $70.55/hr = $88,044/year (purchasing power: $80,553).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $146,740/year (purchasing power: $134,255).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$57.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$68.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$70.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Catonsville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $62.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $63.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $66.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $72.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $68.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Catonsville grew 18.5% from $57.82/hr (2019) to $68.52/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $72.64/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 Catonsville 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 Catonsville
Many optometrists in Catonsville must decide between full-time employment and the flexibility of part-time or per-diem work, which can drastically affect their annual income. An optometrist working 24 hours a week could potentially earn around $112,704 yearly, while full-time practitioners may see higher totals as they clock in additional hours. For those opting for per-diem positions, the earning potential varies widely, with rates averaging $500 to $800 per day in retail environments and as high as $1,200 in specialized OD/MD practice settings. The choice of employer significantly influences hourly pay, where private practices might offer lower rates compared to urgent care or hospital systems that require residency-trained individuals. Optometrists in Catonsville negotiating their hourly pay should consider balancing higher rates without benefits against lower rates with employer-provided health insurance, aligning their decision with personal financial goals and lifestyle preferences while remaining aware of local hiring trends.
More salary data for Catonsville, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Catonsville in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Catonsville?
Are optometrists in Catonsville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Catonsville?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Catonsville?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Maryland
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 Catonsville. 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 Catonsville 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