Optometrist Hourly Pay in Methuen, MA: $73.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Methuen, MA runs $73.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $152,787 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Methuen's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $67.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $91,668 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Methuen's optometrists earn a median hourly rate of $73.45, which is notably higher than the national median of $67.60. This competitive hourly pay can benefit part-time workers, such as those who practice three days a week, allowing for a balanced work-life dynamic while still earning a respectable income. For per-diem optometrists, rates will vary depending on the work setting. They typically operate in diverse locations such as private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and outpatient clinics. Entry-level optometrists in Methuen can expect to earn around $42.91 per hour, while more experienced professionals in the top 10% can command as much as $109.90 per hour. These estimates are derived from expected annual earnings for 2026, providing a benchmark for those considering their options in the field of optometry.
About the Methuen 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) | $42.91 | $343.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60.33 | $482.68 |
| Median (P50) | $73.45 | $587.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90.00 | $719.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109.90 | $879.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Methuen
Based on $73.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $73.45/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Methuen, MA can expect to earn approximately $152,779 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $88,142. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Methuen.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Methuen
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,938.07 | $12,732 | $152,779 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,762.84 | $7,639 | $91,668 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,175.23 | $5,093 | $61,112 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Methuen) | $73.45 |
| 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 Methuen, MA earn a median of $152,787 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.66% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.40% below the Massachusetts state average of $154,957.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $73.45/hr = $91,668/year (purchasing power: $84,486).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $152,779/year (purchasing power: $140,811).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$60.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$71.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$73.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Methuen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $61.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $64.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $65.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $68.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $77.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $71.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Methuen grew 18.5% from $60.20/hr (2019) to $71.34/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $75.63/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 Methuen 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 Methuen
In assessing the financial prospects for part-time optometrists in Methuen, a professional working 24 hours over three days may take home approximately $86,496 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Per diem optometrists in the area can command anywhere from $500 to $1,200 per day depending on their employer type, with hospital systems offering the highest rates for residency-trained ocular disease specialists. In Methuen, hourly rates can differ across various settings such as private practices, optical chains, or VA clinics, which may lead some optometrists to accept lower hourly wages for benefits like health insurance. Those employed by retail chains might opt for higher hourly rates that lack benefits, which can lead to tough negotiations for hourly workers. Understanding the balance between compensation and benefits is crucial when entering negotiations in this evolving job market, especially amidst changes in the scope of practice and employment structures from organizations such as the AOA.
More salary data for Methuen, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Methuen in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Methuen?
Are optometrists in Methuen paid hourly or salary?
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Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Methuen?
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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 Methuen. 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 Methuen 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