Optometrist Hourly Pay in Barnstable, MA: $72.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Barnstable, MA runs $72.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $150,645 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Barnstable's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $66.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $90,383 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Barnstable, Massachusetts, the median optometrist hourly pay is projected to be $72.42 in 2026, surpassing the national median of $67.60. This competitive rate makes it financially advantageous for both part-time optometrists, such as those working three days a week, and per-diem professionals. Part-time practitioners might average $44,000 annually simply by working during standard office hours, while per-diem positions, common in diverse settings like retail optical chains and VA outpatient clinics, offer attractive compensation that can fluctuate widely based on experience and expertise. Entry-level optometrists can expect to earn around $42.01 per hour, while top earners in the field may reach up to $101.71, showcasing the range of opportunities available in this coastal city.
About the Barnstable Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42.01 | $336.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60.95 | $487.62 |
| Median (P50) | $72.42 | $579.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85.17 | $681.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101.71 | $813.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Barnstable
Based on $72.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $72.42/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Barnstable, MA can expect to earn approximately $150,638 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $86,906. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Barnstable.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Barnstable
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,896.88 | $12,553 | $150,638 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,738.13 | $7,532 | $90,383 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,158.75 | $5,021 | $60,255 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Barnstable) | $72.42 |
| 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 Barnstable, MA earn a median of $150,645 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.14% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.80% below the Massachusetts state average of $154,984.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $72.42/hr = $90,383/year (purchasing power: $83,302).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $150,638/year (purchasing power: $138,837).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$59.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$70.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$72.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Barnstable (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $60.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $64.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $64.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $67.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $76.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $70.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Barnstable grew 18.5% from $59.36/hr (2019) to $70.34/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $74.57/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 Barnstable 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 Barnstable
For those considering part-time work in optometry, a 24-hour weekly schedule can lead to an estimated annual take-home of about $44,000, significantly less than full-time earnings. Per-diem optometrists in Barnstable have the potential to bill anywhere from $500 to $800 per day in retail settings and up to $1,200 in ophthalmology practices, which underscores the lucrative possibilities available. Different employer types also influence hourly rates; private practices may offer stability with benefits, while retail chains provide flexibility at potentially lower hourly rates. Graduates from residency programs especially benefit from higher compensation rates. Negotiating compensation in Barnstable may hinge on highlighting specialized training or experience, as well as understanding the trade-offs between hourly pay and benefits such as health insurance, which can play a significant role in long-term career satisfaction.
More salary data for Barnstable, MA:
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 Barnstable. 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 Barnstable 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