Optometrist Hourly Pay in Natick, MA: $71.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Natick, MA runs $71.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $149,226 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Natick's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $66.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $89,535 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Natick, Massachusetts, the hourly rate for optometrists is projected to be $71.74 in 2026, substantially higher than the national median of $67.60. This competitive rate opens up various opportunities for both part-time and per-diem optometrists across multiple settings, whether they are operating in private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains, or university clinics. For part-time workers, opting for a three-day workweek might yield a satisfying income while still allowing for personal time, with entry-level practitioners earning around $42.83 per hour and seasoned professionals bringing in up to $106.22 per hour—indicative of the diverse earning potential available. The hourly calculations are derived from projected annual salaries, reflecting a positive outlook for optometrists in this vibrant Massachusetts community.
About the Natick 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) | $42.83 | $342.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59.56 | $476.50 |
| Median (P50) | $71.74 | $573.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.61 | $668.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106.22 | $849.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Natick
Based on $71.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $71.74/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Natick, MA can expect to earn approximately $149,224 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $86,091. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Natick.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Natick
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,869.70 | $12,435 | $149,224 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,721.82 | $7,461 | $89,535 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,147.88 | $4,974 | $59,690 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Natick) | $71.74 |
| 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 Natick, MA earn a median of $149,226 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.13% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 3.70% below the Massachusetts state average of $154,960.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $71.74/hr = $89,535/year (purchasing power: $82,520).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $149,224/year (purchasing power: $137,534).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$58.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$69.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$71.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Natick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $60.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $63.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $64.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $67.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $75.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $69.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Natick grew 18.5% from $58.80/hr (2019) to $69.68/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $73.87/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 Natick 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 Natick
Consider the realities for part-time optometrists in Natick, who could potentially earn around $88,577 annually if they work 24 hours a week. While this salary is substantial, many optometrists choose per-diem or locum tenens opportunities for increased earning potential. Daily rates for these roles can vary greatly, with retail chain optometrists often billing $500 to $800 per day, while those filling in at OD/MD practices can see rates rise to between $700 and $1,200 daily. Additionally, residency-trained ocular disease optometrists in hospitals may command hourly rates between $90 and $130. Earnings fluctuate based on employer type, including private practices, retail chains like Pearl Vision and LensCrafters, and healthcare systems such as the VA or military facilities, impacting overall compensation significantly. While higher hourly wages may be appealing, many optometrists find the trade-off for benefits and job stability in full-time positions worthwhile. For Natick-based practitioners negotiating their hourly pay, emphasizing experience, specialties, and current market trends in optometry can be advantageous in securing favorable terms.
More salary data for Natick, 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 Natick. 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 Natick 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