Optometrist Hourly Pay in Laurel, MD: $70.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Laurel, MD runs $70.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $145,996 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Laurel's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $64.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $87,594 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Laurel, Maryland, optometrists can expect an hourly median pay of $70.19, positioning them above the national average of $67.60. This competitive rate offers a significant advantage for both full-time and part-time practitioners, especially those considering a part-time role working three days a week. With entry-level positions starting at approximately $40.71 per hour and experienced professionals earning up to $102.11 per hour, the financial benefits appear substantial. Working in various settings such as private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains like LensCrafters, or even VA outpatient clinics can yield different hourly experiences, making Laurel an attractive place for optometrists to either settle or temporarily practice.
About the Laurel 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) | $40.71 | $325.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57.12 | $456.98 |
| Median (P50) | $70.19 | $561.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84.90 | $679.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102.11 | $816.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Laurel
Based on $70.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $70.19/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Laurel, MD can expect to earn approximately $145,991 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $84,225. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Laurel.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Laurel
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,807.51 | $12,166 | $145,991 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,684.51 | $7,300 | $87,594 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,123.01 | $4,866 | $58,396 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Laurel) | $70.19 |
| 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 Laurel, MD earn a median of $145,996 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.83% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 5.00% below the Maryland state average of $153,680.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $70.19/hr = $87,594/year (purchasing power: $80,141).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $145,991/year (purchasing power: $133,569).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$57.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$68.17/hr
2026 Current Est.
$70.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Laurel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $62.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $62.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $65.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $72.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $68.17/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Laurel grew 18.5% from $57.53/hr (2019) to $68.17/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $72.27/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 Laurel 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 Laurel
Exploring part-time opportunities for optometrists in Laurel reveals a compelling earning potential. Those opting for a three-day work schedule, clocking 24 hours weekly, can effectively take home approximately $87,310 annually, which significantly contrasts the financial return of full-time work. Additionally, per diem optometrists frequently bill $500-$800 per day at retail locations, while those in clinical roles with OD/MD practices may see earnings between $700-$1,200 per day. The varied hourly rates seen across different employer types, whether in solo practices, retail chains, or ophthalmology groups, highlight the importance of understanding market dynamics. While some optometrists may prefer lower hourly rates that include benefits, others might achieve higher pay at the cost of securing job-related health insurance. Negotiating flexible working conditions can be essential for those seeking the best fit in Maryland's optometry market, particularly given the evolving nature of scope-of-practice regulations.
More salary data for Laurel, MD:
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 Laurel. 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 Laurel 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