Optometrist Hourly Pay in Derry, NH: $69.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Derry, NH runs $69.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $144,811 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Derry's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $64.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $86,888 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Derry, New Hampshire, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to sit at $69.62 in 2026, surpassing the national median of $67.60. This competitive rate is enticing for both full-time and part-time professionals, particularly those who might work three days per week or fill in on a per-diem basis. Part-time optometrists can find opportunities in various settings such as private practice, retail chains, and veterans' clinics. The hourly range for optometrists in Derry extends from $41.28 for entry-level positions to as high as $102.83 for experienced practitioners, reflecting the diverse earning potential available in the local job market. Given the evolving scope of practice—including advancements in glaucoma management and minor surgical procedures—optometrists in Derry can leverage their skills for greater earning opportunities while gaining valuable experience.
About the Derry Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($140,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41.28 | $330.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57.51 | $460.11 |
| Median (P50) | $69.62 | $556.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84.94 | $679.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102.83 | $822.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Derry
Based on $69.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $69.62/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Derry, NH can expect to earn approximately $144,813 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $83,546. With a cost-of-living index of 107.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Derry.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Derry
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,784.86 | $12,068 | $144,813 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,670.92 | $7,241 | $86,888 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,113.94 | $4,827 | $57,925 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Derry) | $69.62 |
| 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 Derry, NH earn a median of $144,811 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.99% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 4.00% below the New Hampshire state average of $150,845.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $69.62/hr = $86,888/year (purchasing power: $80,976).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $144,813/year (purchasing power: $134,961).
CoL index: 107.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$57.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$67.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$69.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Derry (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $62.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $65.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $69.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $67.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Derry grew 18.5% from $57.06/hr (2019) to $67.62/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $71.68/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 Derry 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 Derry
Exploring part-time roles, an optometrist working three days a week typically earns a solid income, although annual figures will differ significantly compared to full-time employment. Per-diem positions are particularly lucrative, offering rates that can range from $500 to $1,200 per day depending on practice type, such as retail optical chains or ophthalmology offices. For residency-trained optometrists, the per diem optometrist pay in Derry often aligns with the upper end of this spectrum, highlighting the premium placed on specialized training. However, based on employer types, hourly rates can vary; while private practices may offer stability and benefits packaged with lower hourly rates, others might provide higher pay in lieu of health benefits. Navigating these options requires careful negotiation, especially given that many employers in Derry game plan for future investments in their optometry teams through continued education and quality care initiatives.
More salary data for Derry, NH:
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 Derry. 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 Derry 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