Optometrist Hourly Pay in Dover, NH: $70.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Dover, NH runs $70.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $145,889 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Dover's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $65.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $87,530 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dover, New Hampshire, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to reach $70.14 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $67.60. This competitive rate can be particularly advantageous for part-time optometrists, who might work three days a week, allowing them to enjoy a solid income while maintaining flexibility. For those working on a per-diem basis, the hourly rate translates into opportunities in various settings such as private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and VA outpatient clinics. The hourly pay range reflects diverse experience levels, with entry-level positions starting around $42.43 and top earners reaching up to $97.62. These estimates are informed by annual salary data, reflecting the economic realities of the profession in the region.
About the Dover 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) | $42.43 | $339.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58.57 | $468.59 |
| Median (P50) | $70.14 | $561.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82.14 | $657.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97.62 | $780.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dover
Based on $70.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $70.14/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dover, NH can expect to earn approximately $145,884 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $84,164. With a cost-of-living index of 107.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Dover.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dover
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,805.45 | $12,157 | $145,884 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,683.27 | $7,294 | $87,530 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,122.18 | $4,863 | $58,353 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Dover) | $70.14 |
| 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 Dover, NH earn a median of $145,889 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.75% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 3.30% below the New Hampshire state average of $150,868.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $70.14/hr = $87,530/year (purchasing power: $81,575).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $145,884/year (purchasing power: $135,959).
CoL index: 107.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$59.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$68.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$70.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Dover (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $62.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $62.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $65.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $69.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $68.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Dover grew 15.1% from $59.18/hr (2019) to $68.12/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $72.21/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 Dover 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 Dover
Focusing on the part-time model, an optometrist working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) could expect to take home a satisfying income, particularly when contrasting it with full-time earnings. Per diem arrangements in Dover, where fill-in optometrists commonly charge between $500 and $800 per day at retail chains or up to $1,200 at OD/MD practices, can enhance financial flexibility. However, the hourly rates can vary significantly depending on the employer type — private practices may offer different compensation structures compared to retail chains or ophthalmology practices. Additionally, those seeking full-time roles may encounter a trade-off between lower hourly rates with benefits and higher pay without health insurance. For those negotiating their own salaries, understanding local market rates and the employment landscape in Dover can provide leverage during discussions, whether it’s around hourly wages or benefits.
More salary data for Dover, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Dover in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Dover?
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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 Dover. 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 Dover 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