Optometrist Hourly Pay in Lebanon, NH: $69.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Lebanon, NH runs $69.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $145,098 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Lebanon's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $65.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $87,055 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lebanon, New Hampshire, the hourly pay for optometrists is projected to be $69.76 in 2026, which is slightly above the national median of $67.60. This attractive hourly rate provides a solid earning potential for those considering part-time or per-diem work, particularly in various settings such as private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains, and outpatient clinics. For optometrists working three days a week, this means a significant income while offering flexible scheduling. The hourly earnings range from $40.73 for entry-level positions to $95.30 for those at the top of their field, indicating the potential for substantial compensation based on experience and specialization within the profession. These hourly rates represent an estimation derived from the annual salary data, illustrating the compelling earning prospects for optometrists in this area.
About the Lebanon 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) | $40.73 | $325.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55.56 | $444.46 |
| Median (P50) | $69.76 | $558.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80.97 | $647.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95.30 | $762.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lebanon
Based on $69.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $69.76/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lebanon, NH can expect to earn approximately $145,091 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $83,706. With a cost-of-living index of 107.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lebanon.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lebanon
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,790.22 | $12,091 | $145,091 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,674.13 | $7,255 | $87,055 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,116.09 | $4,836 | $58,036 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Lebanon) | $69.76 |
| 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 Lebanon, NH earn a median of $145,098 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.19% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 3.80% below the New Hampshire state average of $150,830.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $69.76/hr = $87,055/year (purchasing power: $81,132).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $145,091/year (purchasing power: $135,220).
CoL index: 107.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$57.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$67.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$69.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Lebanon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $62.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $65.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $69.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $67.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Lebanon grew 18.5% from $57.17/hr (2019) to $67.75/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $71.82/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 Lebanon 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 Lebanon
With a part-time schedule of three days a week, an optometrist might earn around $82,571 annually, in contrast to full-time professionals who typically enjoy a higher income. Per-diem arrangements are also prevalent, with optometrists in Lebanon often billing between $500 to $800 per day for retail chain shifts, while those in OD/MD practices can command rates as high as $1,200 for their services. The variations in pay are influenced by the type of employer, with retail optical chains and private practices offering rates that may differ significantly. Optometrists trade off some hourly earnings for the inclusion of benefits such as health insurance, which can be essential for many. Negotiating hourly compensation can be crucial; knowing the market rates and understanding the benefits associated with different employer types will empower optometrists in Lebanon to make informed choices about their career paths and maximize their earning potential.
More salary data for Lebanon, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Lebanon in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Lebanon?
Are optometrists in Lebanon paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Lebanon?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Lebanon?
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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 Lebanon. 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 Lebanon 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