Optometrist Hourly Pay in Brick, NJ: $78.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Brick, NJ runs $78.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $163,131 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Brick's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $68.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $97,874 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Brick, NJ, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to reach $78.42 in 2026, which is significantly higher than the national hourly median of $67.60. This favorable rate is a boon for those considering part-time or per-diem roles in various settings such as private optometry offices, retail optical chain locations, and VA outpatient clinics. For part-time practitioners working three days a week, the hourly rate translates to substantial weekly earnings, providing flexibility while still maintaining an impressive income. Entry-level optometrists might earn around $45.49 an hour, while seasoned professionals can command up to $115.92 or more, reflecting the skill development and market demand in this field.
About the Brick 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) | $45.49 | $363.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61.72 | $493.80 |
| Median (P50) | $78.42 | $627.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95.06 | $760.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $115.92 | $927.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Brick
Based on $78.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $78.42/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Brick, NJ can expect to earn approximately $163,123 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $94,110. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Brick.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Brick
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,136.99 | $13,594 | $163,123 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,882.19 | $8,156 | $97,874 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,254.79 | $5,437 | $65,249 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Brick) | $78.42 |
| 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 Brick, NJ earn a median of $163,131 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.01% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 0.70% above the New Jersey state average of $161,997.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $78.42/hr = $97,874/year (purchasing power: $84,960).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $163,123/year (purchasing power: $141,600).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$64.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$76.17/hr
2026 Current Est.
$78.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Brick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $65.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $69.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $70.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $73.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $83.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $76.17/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Brick grew 18.5% from $64.28/hr (2019) to $76.17/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $80.75/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 Brick 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 Brick
Exploring part-time opportunities can yield varying annual take-home pay, depending on the number of hours worked. A 24-hour work week allows optometrists to earn a steady income while enjoying more leisure time. Per diem optometrists in Brick can earn between $500 and $800 per day at retail chains, with rates at OD/MD practices reaching $700-$1,200 daily, greatly influencing overall earnings. Moreover, hourly rates vary across employer types, with private practices generally offering different compensation packages than retail chains or academic settings. Some optometrists may accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, while others may prioritize higher pay on a contract basis. For those negotiating hourly pay, emphasizing both skills and flexibility in various settings can be beneficial in achieving a favorable compensation agreement.
More salary data for Brick, 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 Brick. 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 Brick 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