Optometrist Hourly Pay in Rockville, MD: $72.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Rockville, MD runs $72.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $149,834 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Rockville's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $65.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $89,894 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rockville, Maryland, the optometrist hourly pay stands at $72.03, significantly above the national median of $67.60. This higher rate reflects regional economic conditions, making it advantageous for both full-time and part-time professionals. For those choosing part-time work, such as three days a week, earnings can amount to around $55,000 annually, depending on hours worked and practice settings. The hourly range in Rockville is quite expansive, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $41.78 and top earners commanding as much as $106.18. This broad spectrum is reflective of the local job market, which covers diverse environments, such as private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chain locations, and specialized medical practices.
About the Rockville 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) | $41.78 | $334.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56.63 | $453.02 |
| Median (P50) | $72.03 | $576.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87.36 | $698.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106.18 | $849.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rockville
Based on $72.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $72.03/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rockville, MD can expect to earn approximately $149,824 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $86,437. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Rockville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rockville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,881.23 | $12,485 | $149,824 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,728.74 | $7,491 | $89,894 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,152.49 | $4,994 | $59,930 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Rockville) | $72.03 |
| 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 Rockville, MD earn a median of $149,834 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.56% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.50% below the Maryland state average of $153,675.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $72.03/hr = $89,894/year (purchasing power: $82,246).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $149,824/year (purchasing power: $137,076).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$59.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$69.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$72.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Rockville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $60.47/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $63.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $64.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $67.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $74.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $69.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Rockville grew 18.5% from $59.04/hr (2019) to $69.96/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $74.16/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 Rockville 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 Rockville
In evaluating the practical implications of working as an optometrist in Rockville, there's considerable potential in part-time and per-diem opportunities. A three-day, 24-hour workweek offers a stable income but contrasts sharply with full-time earnings. For those seeking flexibility, fill-in positions at retail chains can yield daily pay between $500 and $800, while ODs in medical practices may charge $700 to $1,200 for a single day of service. Hourly rates can also vary based on employer types: private practices typically offer lower rates than hospital systems, which cater to residency-trained professionals, especially in ocular disease. Therefore, optometrists may face a trade-off between higher hourly wages without benefits and more modest rates that include health insurance. When negotiating salaries, prospective employees should emphasize their specialized training and the growing scope of practice, particularly in glaucoma management, to secure better terms.
More salary data for Rockville, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Rockville in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Rockville?
Are optometrists in Rockville paid hourly or salary?
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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 Rockville. 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 Rockville 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