Optometrist Hourly Pay in Lawrence, MA: $72.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Lawrence, MA runs $72.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $151,136 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Lawrence's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $66.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $90,678 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lawrence, Massachusetts, the optometrist hourly pay stands at a competitive $72.66, surpassing the national median of $67.60. This attractive hourly rate enables part-time professionals, working three days a week, to earn a significant income while maintaining work-life balance. For per-diem workers across settings such as private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains, or VA outpatient clinics, there are also considerable earning opportunities, with hourly rates ranging from $42.14 for entry-level positions to over $107.35 for experienced optometrists. Hourly pay for optometrists reflects various factors, including the type of practice and demand for services, distilled from annual salary estimates to provide a clear understanding of their financial landscape.
About the Lawrence 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) | $42.14 | $337.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58.74 | $469.91 |
| Median (P50) | $72.66 | $581.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89.63 | $717.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107.35 | $858.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lawrence
Based on $72.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $72.66/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lawrence, MA can expect to earn approximately $151,130 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $87,191. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lawrence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lawrence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,906.35 | $12,594 | $151,130 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,743.81 | $7,557 | $90,678 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,162.54 | $5,038 | $60,452 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Lawrence) | $72.66 |
| 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 Lawrence, MA earn a median of $151,136 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.48% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.50% below the Massachusetts state average of $155,011.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $72.66/hr = $90,678/year (purchasing power: $83,574).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $151,130/year (purchasing power: $139,291).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$59.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$70.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$72.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $61.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $64.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $64.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $68.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $76.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $70.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Lawrence grew 18.5% from $59.55/hr (2019) to $70.57/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $74.81/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 Lawrence 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 Lawrence
Many optometrists in Lawrence choose part-time work for the flexibility it offers, translating to an annual income that can significantly differ from full-time earnings. A 3-day work schedule amounting to roughly 24 hours per week can yield considerable annual income, though it may not always compete with full-time positions. Per diem opportunities often attract optometrists, allowing them to charge between $500 and $800 daily at retail chains, or between $700 and $1,200 in private practice settings, providing an enticing alternative to traditional employment. Optometrists working in varied environments may find wider spreads in hourly pay, largely influenced by whether they are in solo practices, retail chains, or hospital settings. While some practitioners may accept lower hourly rates for the assurance of health benefits, others prefer higher, benefit-free wages. Negotiation strategies become vital for those seeking increased pay; understanding local pay scales and industry standards among peers can support informed discussions about remuneration in this evolving field.
More salary data for Lawrence, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Lawrence in 2026?
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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 Lawrence. 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 Lawrence 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