Optometrist Hourly Pay in Bloomfield, NJ: $76.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Bloomfield, NJ runs $76.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $158,153 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Bloomfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $66.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $94,893 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bloomfield, NJ, optometrists command a median hourly rate of $76.04, significantly higher than the national median of $67.60. This strong local earning potential offers part-time professionals—such as those working three days a week—an attractive income for a flexible work schedule. Per-diem options for optometrists within the community also provide viable financial pathways; these professionals operate in a variety of settings, including private optometry offices, retail optical chains, and outpatient clinics. With the hourly pay range stretching from $44.10 for entry-level positions to $112.49 for experienced optometrists, Bloomfield's job market caters well to both established practitioners and new entrants alike. The data utilized for these estimates is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
About the Bloomfield Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44.10 | $352.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61.57 | $492.56 |
| Median (P50) | $76.04 | $608.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92.22 | $737.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112.49 | $899.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bloomfield
Based on $76.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $76.04/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bloomfield, NJ can expect to earn approximately $158,155 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $91,243. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bloomfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bloomfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,041.44 | $13,180 | $158,155 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,824.86 | $7,908 | $94,893 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,216.58 | $5,272 | $63,262 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Bloomfield) | $76.04 |
| 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 Bloomfield, NJ earn a median of $158,153 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.47% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.40% below the New Jersey state average of $162,042.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $76.04/hr = $94,893/year (purchasing power: $82,372).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $158,155/year (purchasing power: $137,287).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$62.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$73.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$76.04/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Bloomfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $63.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $67.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $67.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $71.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $81.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $73.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Bloomfield grew 18.5% from $62.32/hr (2019) to $73.85/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $78.29/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 Bloomfield 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 Bloomfield
Considering the part-time working scenario in Bloomfield, an optometrist working just three days a week would annually earn less than a full-time counterpart but still achieve a respectable income. While full-time optometrists may enjoy benefits like health insurance, part-time and per-diem optometrists often have the flexibility to accept jobs as they arise, with per diem rates ranging from $500 to $1,200 per day depending on the practice type. Hourly earnings can vary greatly across employer types, including small private practices or larger retail chains, adjusting according to demand and patient flow. For those who prioritize benefits, hospitals and clinics provide more stable positions often with lower hourly pay compared to freelance arrangements, where optometrists might command higher rates but forfeit employee benefits. Negotiating terms can be key; professionals considering work in Bloomfield should be clear about their priorities and expectations to find the right balance between compensation and job security.
More salary data for Bloomfield, NJ:
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 Bloomfield. 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 Bloomfield 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