Optometrist Hourly Pay in Linden, NJ: $76.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Linden, NJ runs $76.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $158,590 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Linden's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $66.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $95,150 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Linden, New Jersey, the projected median hourly pay for optometrists is $76.24, significantly higher than the national average of $67.60. This robust hourly rate presents an attractive opportunity for part-time workers, particularly those who may opt for a three-day workweek in various settings, such as private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains, and outpatient clinics. For someone working part-time, this translates to a solid income while maintaining a flexible schedule. For entry-level optometrists, hourly wages start at around $44.22, while more experienced professionals may earn upwards of $107.95. This variability reflects the salary range and suggests a competitive environment within Linden's optometric landscape, estimated from annual salary figures and specific to the demand for quality eye care services in the region.
About the Linden 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) | $44.22 | $353.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60.19 | $481.52 |
| Median (P50) | $76.24 | $609.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90.42 | $723.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107.95 | $863.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Linden
Based on $76.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $76.24/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Linden, NJ can expect to earn approximately $158,583 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $91,490. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Linden.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Linden
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,049.68 | $13,215 | $158,583 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,829.81 | $7,929 | $95,150 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,219.87 | $5,286 | $63,433 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Linden) | $76.24 |
| 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 Linden, NJ earn a median of $158,590 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.79% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.10% below the New Jersey state average of $161,992.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $76.24/hr = $95,150/year (purchasing power: $82,595).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $158,583/year (purchasing power: $137,659).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$62.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$74.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$76.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Linden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $64.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $67.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $68.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $71.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $81.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $74.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Linden grew 18.5% from $62.49/hr (2019) to $74.05/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $78.50/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 Linden 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 Linden
Focusing on part-time earnings gives insight into the financial prospects in this field. For an optometrist working 24 hours a week, the annual take-home could be appealing when contrasting part-time versus full-time positions. Per-diem optometrists have the potential to bill between $500 and $800 daily at retail locations, while those working in specialty practices may earn significantly more, reaching $1,200 in some cases. This higher compensation can be attractive to residency-trained professionals who are seeking opportunities, especially given the expanded scope of practice that includes glaucoma management and minor surgical procedures in certain states. Employment settings in Linden also vary, impacting hourly wages; private practices may offer less but provide health benefits, while retail chains could offer higher hourly rates without such benefits. Negotiating hours and pay can be complex, and it is advisable for optometrists to consider both the financial and benefit aspects thoroughly when exploring job options in NJ's evolving optometric market.
More salary data for Linden, 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 Linden. 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 Linden 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