Optometrist Hourly Pay in Plymouth, MA: $75.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Plymouth, MA runs $75.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $156,034 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Plymouth's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $69.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $93,621 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Plymouth, Massachusetts, optometrists earn an impressive median hourly rate of $75.02, significantly higher than the national median of $67.60. This competitive pay opens up opportunities for both part-time and per-diem positions in various settings, including private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and hospital clinics. A part-time optometrist working three days a week could take advantage of this hourly rate to earn a respectable income while balancing work-life commitments. Additionally, the hourly pay scale ranges from $43.51 for entry-level positions to $110.85 for top earners, giving new optometrists a pathway to increased earnings as they gain experience and credentials. These estimates are derived from annual salary projections, emphasizing the lucrative potential of positions in Plymouth.
About the Plymouth 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) | $43.51 | $348.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59.02 | $472.13 |
| Median (P50) | $75.02 | $600.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90.90 | $727.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $110.85 | $886.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Plymouth
Based on $75.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $75.02/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Plymouth, MA can expect to earn approximately $156,035 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $90,020. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Plymouth.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Plymouth
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,000.67 | $13,003 | $156,035 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,800.40 | $7,802 | $93,621 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,200.27 | $5,201 | $62,414 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Plymouth) | $75.02 |
| 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 Plymouth, MA earn a median of $156,034 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.97% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 0.70% above the Massachusetts state average of $154,949.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $75.02/hr = $93,621/year (purchasing power: $86,286).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $156,035/year (purchasing power: $143,811).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$61.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$72.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$75.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Plymouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $62.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $66.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $67.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $70.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $78.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $72.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Plymouth grew 18.5% from $61.49/hr (2019) to $72.86/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $77.24/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 Plymouth 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 Plymouth
When considering part-time work, an optometrist who commits to a 24-hour workweek can still earn a substantial annual salary, though it would be less than that of a full-time practitioner. For per-diem optometrists, pay can vary widely depending on the practice type: retail chains may offer daily rates between $500 and $800, while OD/MD practices could yield $700 to $1,200 a day. Residency-trained optometrists, particularly those practicing ocular disease in hospital systems, often see hourly compensation ranging from $90 to $130 for 1099 work. Hourly rates may vary by employer, with private practices generally providing different compensation compared to retail optical chains or integrated health systems. Factors like benefits and job security influence many optometrists' choices; some opt for lower hourly rates for stable employment with health benefits. For those negotiating in Plymouth, understanding local pay standards and benefits packages can give significant leverage in discussions about compensation structures.
More salary data for Plymouth, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Plymouth in 2026?
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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 Plymouth. 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 Plymouth 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