Optometrist Hourly Pay in Worcester, MA: $74.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Worcester, MA runs $74.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $154,028 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Worcester's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.5, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $72.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $92,413 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the optometrist hourly pay in Worcester, Massachusetts, is projected to reach $74.05, notably higher than the national median hourly rate of $67.60. This competitive rate enables part-time optometrists working three days a week the potential to earn a significant income while maintaining a flexible schedule. The hourly range for optometrists in Worcester varies widely, from $45.18 for entry-level positions to $92.82 for top earners. Such earnings reflect the diverse practice settings available, including private optometry clinics, retail optical chains, VA outpatient clinics, and academic environments, allowing for various employment opportunities for those entering the field.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45.18 | $361.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64.48 | $515.87 |
| Median (P50) | $74.05 | $592.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81.53 | $652.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92.82 | $742.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Worcester
Based on $74.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $74.05/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Worcester, MA can expect to earn approximately $154,022 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $88,859. With a cost-of-living index of 102.52 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Worcester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Worcester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,961.95 | $12,835 | $154,022 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,777.17 | $7,701 | $92,413 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,184.78 | $5,134 | $61,609 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Worcester) | $74.05 |
| 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 Worcester, MA earn a median of $154,028 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.54% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 0.60% below the Massachusetts state average of $154,958.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $74.05/hr = $92,413/year (purchasing power: $90,139).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $154,022/year (purchasing power: $150,231).
CoL index: 102.523 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$54.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$71.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$74.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+40.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Worcester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $66.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $72.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $72.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $71.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Worcester grew 32.1% from $54.45/hr (2019) to $71.92/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $76.24/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 Worcester 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 Worcester
Part-time optometrists in Worcester, working approximately 24 hours per week, can expect their annual earnings to be quite different from full-time counterparts. Given the strength of the hourly pay, a three-day workweek could yield a salary that varies depending on the specific employer type. For instance, per diem optometrists at retail locations can earn between $500 to $800 daily, while those filling in at specialty clinics may bill upwards of $700 to $1,200 a day. However, it’s essential to consider that employment in private practices or hospitals might offer comprehensive health benefits, which could impact hourly wages. Negotiating for a higher hourly rate often comes with trade-offs, as some practices may prioritize providing benefits over maximum pay. In Worcester's diverse optometry market, understanding these dynamics is critical for new graduates or seasoned ODs looking to maximize their earning potential.
More salary data for Worcester, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Worcester in 2026?
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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 Worcester. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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