Optometrist Hourly Pay in Lexington, MA: $71.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Lexington, MA runs $71.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $148,348 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Lexington's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $65.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $89,008 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lexington, Massachusetts, the projected median hourly pay for optometrists in 2026 is $71.32, exceeding the national median of $67.60 by approximately 5.50%. This favorable hourly rate can provide a significant income for both full-time and part-time professionals, allowing those working three days a week to earn a comfortable living. The hourly compensation ranges from $41.67 for entry-level positions to $102.45 for top earners. These figures are derived from annual salary data and indicate a robust employment environment within various settings such as private practices, retail optical chains, and educational institutions. The diverse range of employment options allows optometrists to choose setups that best align with their lifestyles and career goals.
About the Lexington 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) | $41.67 | $333.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58.70 | $469.58 |
| Median (P50) | $71.32 | $570.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85.25 | $682.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102.45 | $819.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lexington
Based on $71.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $71.32/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lexington, MA can expect to earn approximately $148,346 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $85,584. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lexington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lexington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,852.82 | $12,362 | $148,346 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,711.69 | $7,417 | $89,008 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,141.13 | $4,945 | $59,339 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Lexington) | $71.32 |
| 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 Lexington, MA earn a median of $148,348 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.50% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 4.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $155,013.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $71.32/hr = $89,008/year (purchasing power: $82,035).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $148,346/year (purchasing power: $136,725).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$58.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$69.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$71.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Lexington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $63.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $63.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $66.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $74.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $69.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Lexington grew 18.5% from $58.46/hr (2019) to $69.27/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $73.43/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 Lexington 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 Lexington
Considering the earning potential, part-time optometrists working 24 hours a week in Lexington can earn a respectable income, but it remains lower than their full-time counterparts. Per diem positions, meanwhile, can offer distinct advantages; these optometrists typically charge $500 to $800 per day at retail establishments, while those filling in at OD/MD practices may see rates between $700 and $1,200 daily. The variance in hourly compensation reflects different employer types across the region, with factors such as health insurance benefits influencing total compensation. While some optometrists may accept lower hourly rates in exchange for job security and benefits, others opt for higher pay without benefits through agency or locum tenens work. Negotiation strategies in Lexington should focus on emphasizing experience and specialty training, especially for residency-trained optometrists who can leverage their expertise for competitive hourly pay.
More salary data for Lexington, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Lexington in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Lexington?
Are optometrists in Lexington paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Lexington?
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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 Lexington. 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 Lexington 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