Optometrist Hourly Pay in Cambridge, MA: $74.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Cambridge, MA runs $74.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $155,747 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Cambridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $69.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $93,454 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cambridge, Massachusetts, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to reach $74.88 in 2026, reflecting the city's higher cost of living compared to the national average hourly rate of $67.60. This rate positions Cambridge optometrists favorably against their peers nationally and highlights the opportunities available for part-time and per-diem workers. Those working three days a week typically earn a substantial income, while per-diem optometrists may find lucrative positions in various settings, including private practices, retail optical chains, and outpatient clinics. The hourly range varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $43.43 and top earners commanding up to $111.46, reflecting the specialty’s mix of experience and practice type.
About the Cambridge 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) | $43.43 | $347.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57.51 | $460.11 |
| Median (P50) | $74.88 | $599.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90.81 | $726.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $111.46 | $891.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cambridge
Based on $74.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $74.88/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cambridge, MA can expect to earn approximately $155,756 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $89,859. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Cambridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cambridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,995.31 | $12,980 | $155,756 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,797.19 | $7,788 | $93,454 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,198.12 | $5,192 | $62,302 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Cambridge) | $74.88 |
| 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 Cambridge, MA earn a median of $155,747 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.76% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 0.50% above the Massachusetts state average of $154,972.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $74.88/hr = $93,454/year (purchasing power: $86,132).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $155,756/year (purchasing power: $143,554).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$61.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$72.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$74.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Cambridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $62.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $66.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $66.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $70.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $77.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $72.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Cambridge grew 18.5% from $61.38/hr (2019) to $72.73/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $77.10/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 Cambridge 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 Cambridge
When considering the earnings of a part-time optometrist in Cambridge, those working on a three-day schedule can expect an annual income significantly lower than their full-time counterparts but still substantial given the high hourly rate. Per diem opportunities present further lucrative options; fill-in optometrists often bill between $500 and $800 per day at retail chains, while those in OD/MD practices can earn anywhere from $700 to $1,200 per day. Hourly rates vary not just by employer type, including private practices and vision insurance plans, but also trade off between higher hourly wages without benefits versus lower rates that offer health insurance. To navigate this dynamic, optometrists should be well-prepared to negotiate their rates, understanding the value of their credentials, experience, and the evolving scope of practice, especially as it expands to include advanced care options.
More salary data for Cambridge, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Cambridge in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Cambridge?
Are optometrists in Cambridge paid hourly or salary?
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Related Pages
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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 Cambridge. 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 Cambridge 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