Optometrist Hourly Pay in Pittsfield, MA: $73.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Pittsfield, MA runs $73.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $152,858 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Pittsfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $67.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $91,719 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pittsfield, Massachusetts, the hourly pay for optometrists is projected to reach $73.49 in 2026, surpassing the national average of $67.60. This higher rate reflects not only the demand for optometric services in the region but also the cost of living in Pittsfield, which stands at a price index of 108.5. For part-time optometrists working roughly three days a week, or 24 hours, this pay translates to a viable income stream that can be appealing. With an hourly range that starts at $42.63 for entry-level positions and peaks at $102.53 for top earners, optometrists practicing in various settings—such as retail optical chains, VA outpatient clinics, or university teaching facilities—can benefit from flexible working hours while still compensating meaningfully for their expertise.
About the Pittsfield 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) | $42.63 | $341.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61.53 | $492.23 |
| Median (P50) | $73.49 | $587.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86.22 | $689.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102.53 | $820.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pittsfield
Based on $73.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $73.49/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pittsfield, MA can expect to earn approximately $152,865 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $88,191. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pittsfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pittsfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,939.71 | $12,739 | $152,865 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,763.83 | $7,643 | $91,719 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,175.89 | $5,096 | $61,146 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Pittsfield) | $73.49 |
| 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 Pittsfield, MA earn a median of $152,858 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.71% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.40% below the Massachusetts state average of $155,028.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $73.49/hr = $91,719/year (purchasing power: $84,534).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $152,865/year (purchasing power: $140,890).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$60.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$71.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$73.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Pittsfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $61.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $64.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $65.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $68.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $77.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $71.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Pittsfield grew 18.5% from $60.24/hr (2019) to $71.38/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $75.67/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 Pittsfield 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 Pittsfield
Exploring the nuances of part-time earnings reveals significant insights for those considering a per diem optometrist role in Pittsfield. A typical three-day workweek can yield annual earnings less than a full-time optometrist making $152,858, but many part-timers successfully manage their financial goals with their schedules. Per diem or locum tenens optometrists often secure lucrative contracts, billing as much as $800 daily at retail outlets or between $700 and $1,200 at specialized practices. However, trade-offs exist for those choosing lower hourly wages at establishments that offer employee benefits, such as health insurance with private practices versus potentially higher pay without those perks. In negotiating terms, understanding the varied pay structures among different employers—from private optometry practices to larger healthcare systems in Pittsfield—can empower professionals to make informed decisions that align with their personal and financial aspirations.
More salary data for Pittsfield, 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 Pittsfield. 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 Pittsfield 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