Optometrist Hourly Pay in Waltham, MA: $72.50 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Waltham, MA runs $72.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $150,806 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Waltham's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $66.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $90,486 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waltham, Massachusetts, optometrists earn a median hourly wage of $72.50, which exceeds the national median of $67.60. This attractive rate represents an excellent earning potential for both full-time and part-time practitioners, as well as those working per-diem shifts. For instance, a part-time optometrist working three days a week can expect a solid income, while per-diem positions in various settings—from private practices to retail optical chains—offer flexible work arrangements and competitive compensation. The hourly rates range from $42.05 at the lower end to $106.79 at the upper echelon, helping to accommodate both entry-level optometrists and seasoned professionals in roles at VA outpatient eye clinics and university teaching facilities.
About the Waltham 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) | $42.05 | $336.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58.42 | $467.36 |
| Median (P50) | $72.50 | $580.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89.25 | $713.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106.79 | $854.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waltham
Based on $72.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $72.50/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waltham, MA can expect to earn approximately $150,809 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $87,005. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Waltham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waltham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,900.18 | $12,567 | $150,809 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,740.11 | $7,540 | $90,486 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,160.07 | $5,027 | $60,324 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Waltham) | $72.50 |
| 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 Waltham, MA earn a median of $150,806 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.25% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.70% below the Massachusetts state average of $154,990.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $72.50/hr = $90,486/year (purchasing power: $83,397).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $150,809/year (purchasing power: $138,995).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$59.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$70.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$72.50/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Waltham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $60.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $64.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $64.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $67.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $76.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $70.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72.50/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Waltham grew 18.5% from $59.43/hr (2019) to $70.42/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $74.65/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 Waltham 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 Waltham
Examining the nuances of optometrist hourly pay in Waltham reveals differing earning potentials based on employment type. A part-time optometrist averaging 24 hours a week would still take home an annual income that can rival full-timers depending on workload and benefits. For per-diem or agency opportunities, optometrists in retail chains might find daily earnings in the range of $500-$800, while those filling in at hospital systems can command rates between $700 and $1,200. The compensation landscape also highlights how different employer types influence pay; private practices and retail chains often offer lower hourly rates compared to specialized fields like ocular disease management. Optometrists must balance their hourly rates with the associated benefits, as working for organizations that offer insurance and retirement benefits may come at the cost of slightly lower pay. Effective negotiation skills can greatly enhance a practitioner's earning potential, especially as the demand for optometrists continues to grow in Waltham.
More salary data for Waltham, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Waltham in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Waltham?
Are optometrists in Waltham paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Waltham?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Waltham?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 Waltham. 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 Waltham 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