Optometrist Hourly Pay in Shrewsbury, MA: $71.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Shrewsbury, MA runs $71.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $148,155 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Shrewsbury's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $65.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $88,892 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts can expect a median hourly pay of $71.23, which is notably higher than the national median of $67.60. This competitive pay reflects the skills and services optometrists provide across various settings, including private exam rooms, retail optical chains, and outpatient clinics. Part-time optometrists working three days a week and servicing about 24 hours could earn substantial pay, especially considering that entry-level positions start from $41.76 per hour, while experienced professionals can make up to $104.66 per hour. While these figures are projections and based on annual data, they provide insight into the earning potential for those entering the field in the Shrewsbury area.
About the Shrewsbury 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) | $41.76 | $334.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58.50 | $468.01 |
| Median (P50) | $71.23 | $569.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86.57 | $692.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104.66 | $837.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Shrewsbury
Based on $71.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $71.23/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Shrewsbury, MA can expect to earn approximately $148,154 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $85,473. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Shrewsbury.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Shrewsbury
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,849.11 | $12,346 | $148,154 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,709.47 | $7,408 | $88,892 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,139.64 | $4,938 | $59,261 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Shrewsbury) | $71.23 |
| 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 Shrewsbury, MA earn a median of $148,155 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.36% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 4.40% below the Massachusetts state average of $154,974.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $71.23/hr = $88,892/year (purchasing power: $81,928).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $148,154/year (purchasing power: $136,547).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$58.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$69.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$71.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Shrewsbury (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $62.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $63.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $66.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $74.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $69.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Shrewsbury grew 18.5% from $58.38/hr (2019) to $69.18/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $73.34/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 Shrewsbury 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 Shrewsbury
Flexibility is a significant factor for part-time and per-diem optometrists, as hourly rates can offer varying benefits based on the nature of employment. Part-time optometrists working a schedule of three days weekly could see annual earnings markedly different from their full-time counterparts. For instance, those engaged in per diem opportunities might charge between $500 and $800 per day in retail settings, while specialty positions could offer $700 to $1,200 daily. In Shrewsbury, private practices may provide a different compensation model compared to large retail optical chains. For some optometrists, accepting a lower hourly rate may come with health insurance benefits, whereas others might prefer higher hourly incomes without benefits. Negotiating pay in Shrewsbury requires understanding these trade-offs and knowing the local employment landscape, which includes various potential employers such as VA medical centers and hospitals, where optometrists can command specialized rates based on their training and experience.
More salary data for Shrewsbury, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Shrewsbury in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Shrewsbury?
Are optometrists in Shrewsbury paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Shrewsbury?
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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 Shrewsbury. 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 Shrewsbury 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