Optometrist Hourly Pay in Towson, MD: $71.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Towson, MD runs $71.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $147,964 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Towson's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $65.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $88,777 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Towson, Maryland, optometrists earn a median hourly rate of $71.14, which is notably higher than the national average of $67.60. This competitive pay provides a solid foundation for optometrists, whether they work part-time or as per-diem staff. For those opting for a three-day workweek, the income can be substantial, allowing a flexible lifestyle while maintaining a strong earning potential. The hourly compensation ranges significantly, starting at $41.66 for entry-level positions and extending up to $106.48 for the most experienced practitioners in settings such as private exam rooms, retail optical chains, and even VA outpatient facilities. Given the steady demand for eye care professionals, these hourly figures reflect projected estimates derived from annual salary data attributed to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
About the Towson 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) | $41.66 | $333.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58.45 | $467.60 |
| Median (P50) | $71.14 | $569.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87.24 | $697.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106.48 | $851.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Towson
Based on $71.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $71.14/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Towson, MD can expect to earn approximately $147,961 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $85,362. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Towson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Towson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,845.40 | $12,330 | $147,961 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,707.24 | $7,398 | $88,777 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,138.16 | $4,932 | $59,184 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Towson) | $71.14 |
| 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 Towson, MD earn a median of $147,964 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.23% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 3.70% below the Maryland state average of $153,649.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $71.14/hr = $88,777/year (purchasing power: $81,223).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $147,961/year (purchasing power: $135,371).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$58.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$69.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$71.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Towson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $62.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $63.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $66.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $75.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $69.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Towson grew 18.5% from $58.30/hr (2019) to $69.09/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $73.24/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 Towson 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 Towson
Earnings for part-time optometrists in Towson can vary extensively based on the type of employment. A typical part-time schedule of working three days a week translates to approximately $55,000 annually, significantly less than a full-time optometrist. On the other hand, per-diem optometrists often find lucrative opportunities, charging between $500 and $800 per day at retail stores, while those working in OD/MD practices might command between $700 and $1,200 daily. Residency-trained optometrists, especially in ocular disease, see pay rates range from $90 to $130 per hour in hospital settings. Each employment type – private practices, retail chains like LensCrafters, or ophthalmology clinics – offers differing pay structures, often presenting a trade-off between hourly pay and benefits packages. Negotiating offers based on the specific needs and preferences for work-life balance can be crucial for optometrists seeking to maximize their remuneration in Towson's competitive environment.
More salary data for Towson, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Towson in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Towson?
Are optometrists in Towson paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Towson?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Towson?
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 Towson. 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 Towson 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