Optometrist Hourly Pay in East Brunswick, NJ: $76.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in East Brunswick, NJ runs $76.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $158,490 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against East Brunswick's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $66.15 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $95,098 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In East Brunswick, New Jersey, the optometrist hourly pay reaches a median of $76.20, considerably above the national median of $67.60. This higher rate reflects both the cost of living in the area and the demand for eye care professionals, suggesting promising earnings for those in the field. Many optometrists work part-time schedules, often around three days a week, which makes it feasible for them to maintain a balance between work and personal life. Those who opt for per-diem work can find lucrative opportunities in various settings, such as private exam rooms or retail optical chains, with pay rates generally adhering to a range from $44.19 at the lower end to $112.48 at the top. This variety indicates that entry-level optometrists and seasoned professionals can find suitable compensation levels based on their experience and the specifics of their roles.
About the East Brunswick 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) | $44.19 | $353.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60.09 | $480.70 |
| Median (P50) | $76.20 | $609.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88.66 | $709.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112.48 | $899.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in East Brunswick
Based on $76.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $76.20/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in East Brunswick, NJ can expect to earn approximately $158,497 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $91,441. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in East Brunswick.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in East Brunswick
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,048.03 | $13,208 | $158,497 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,828.82 | $7,925 | $95,098 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,219.21 | $5,283 | $63,399 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (East Brunswick) | $76.20 |
| 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 East Brunswick, NJ earn a median of $158,490 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.71% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.20% below the New Jersey state average of $162,056.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $76.20/hr = $95,098/year (purchasing power: $82,551).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $158,497/year (purchasing power: $137,585).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$62.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$74.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$76.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in East Brunswick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $63.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $67.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $68.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $71.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $81.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $74.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in East Brunswick grew 18.5% from $62.46/hr (2019) to $74.01/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $78.46/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 East Brunswick 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 East Brunswick
By working part-time in East Brunswick, an optometrist putting in about 24 hours a week could realistically expect to take home significantly less annually compared to full-time counterparts, though their hourly compensation remains favorable. Per diem positions, which are increasingly sought after, can net professionals between $500 and $800 daily at retail locations or $700 to $1,200 for agency work, especially in OD/MD practices. The decision between employment types varies—some opt for the security of consistent hours and health benefits in private practices while others embrace more flexible arrangements at possibly lower hourly rates. Understanding the differences in compensation across employer types in the city is essential, as positions can significantly differ in pay at retail chains like LensCrafters versus independent practices. For those considering negotiations regarding their pay and benefits, it's critical to emphasize the value of experience, particularly for residency-trained ODs, highlighting how expanded scopes—such as glaucoma management—elevate demand and compensation potential.
More salary data for East Brunswick, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in East Brunswick in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in East Brunswick?
Are optometrists in East Brunswick paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in East Brunswick?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in East Brunswick?
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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 East Brunswick. 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 East Brunswick 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