Optometrist Hourly Pay in Hudson, NH: $69.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Hudson, NH runs $69.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $144,121 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Hudson's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $64.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $86,477 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hudson, New Hampshire, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to reach $69.29 by 2026, which is slightly above the national median of $67.60. This hourly rate makes it an appealing option for both part-time and per-diem workers. For those working three days a week, this translates to the flexibility of earning a robust hourly wage in settings ranging from private optometry offices to retail optical chains and outpatient clinics. The hourly range varies significantly, with entry-level optometrists starting at about $40.25 while seasoned professionals can earn up to $99.24 per hour, reflecting both expertise and demand in the local market. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates, providing a reliable perspective on the earning potential for optometrists in Hudson.
About the Hudson 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) | $40.25 | $321.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55.31 | $442.48 |
| Median (P50) | $69.29 | $554.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82.66 | $661.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99.24 | $793.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hudson
Based on $69.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $69.29/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hudson, NH can expect to earn approximately $144,128 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $83,150. With a cost-of-living index of 107.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hudson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hudson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,771.68 | $12,011 | $144,128 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,663.01 | $7,206 | $86,477 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,108.67 | $4,804 | $57,651 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Hudson) | $69.29 |
| 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 Hudson, NH earn a median of $144,121 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.50% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 4.50% below the New Hampshire state average of $150,912.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $69.29/hr = $86,477/year (purchasing power: $80,593).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $144,128/year (purchasing power: $134,322).
CoL index: 107.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$56.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$67.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$69.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Hudson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $68.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $67.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Hudson grew 18.5% from $56.79/hr (2019) to $67.30/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $71.34/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 Hudson 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 Hudson
Evaluating the part-time earning potential for optometrists in Hudson highlights interesting contrasts. A three-day workweek, amounting to 24 hours, can result in an annual income of around $86,582, versus a full-time optometrist's earnings, which could be significantly higher depending on their workload. For per-diem situations, many optometrists can command daily rates between $500 and $1,200, depending on the setting. Those working at retail optical chains might see around $500 to $800 per day, whereas residency-trained ocular disease optometrists could expect $90 to $130 per hour in hospital settings. Variations in hourly pay are influenced by employer types, such as private practices, retail chains like LensCrafters, and medical institutions like the VA hospitals. While some optometrists accept lower hourly rates for the security of benefits, others might prefer the freedom of contracting at a higher hourly pay with fewer perks. Negotiating effectively is critical, especially in a market where both public health systems and private entities compete for skilled optometrists in NH.
More salary data for Hudson, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Hudson in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Hudson?
Are optometrists in Hudson paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Hudson?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Hudson?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Hampshire
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 Hudson. 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 Hudson 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