Optometrist Hourly Pay in Manalapan, NJ: $75.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Manalapan, NJ runs $75.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $156,567 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Manalapan's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $65.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $93,942 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Manalapan, New Jersey, earn a median hourly pay of $75.27, which exceeds the national median of $67.60. This competitive rate reflects the demand for eye care professionals in the area, particularly in settings such as private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and VA outpatient clinics. For part-time or per-diem optometrists, this hourly wage translates to significant earning potential, especially when working flexible schedules like three days a week. In terms of earnings, entry-level optometrists may start at about $45.41 per hour, while the top earners can command as much as $109.33 per hour. Even in a diverse array of employment settings, from retail optical chains to university clinics, the figures reveal a robust financial outlook for those in the optometry field.
About the Manalapan 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) | $45.41 | $363.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62.83 | $502.61 |
| Median (P50) | $75.27 | $602.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90.89 | $727.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109.33 | $874.67 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Manalapan
Based on $75.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $75.27/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Manalapan, NJ can expect to earn approximately $156,570 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $90,329. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Manalapan.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Manalapan
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,010.96 | $13,048 | $156,570 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,806.58 | $7,829 | $93,942 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,204.38 | $5,219 | $62,628 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Manalapan) | $75.27 |
| 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 Manalapan, NJ earn a median of $156,567 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.35% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 3.30% below the New Jersey state average of $161,910.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $75.27/hr = $93,942/year (purchasing power: $81,547).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $156,570/year (purchasing power: $135,911).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$61.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$73.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$75.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Manalapan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $63.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $66.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $67.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $70.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $80.30/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $73.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Manalapan grew 18.5% from $61.70/hr (2019) to $73.11/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $77.50/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 Manalapan 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 Manalapan
Considering the financial landscape for optometrists in Manalapan further illustrates their earning potential, especially for those opting for part-time roles. A three-day work week, totaling around 24 hours, can yield an approximate annual income of $91,131, offering substantial take-home pay compared to full-time positions. Per diem roles offer even higher daily rates, with retail chain optometrists billing between $500 to $800 per day, and OD/MD practices offering $700 to $1,200 daily for fill-in optometrists. The dynamic hourly rates reflect various employer types; private practices may offer lower rates but provide benefits, whereas retail chains could pay more but often lack comprehensive health plans. For professionals navigating these options, negotiation emphasizes the importance of balancing hourly pay against benefits, offering a critical consideration for those in various practice settings across Manalapan.
More salary data for Manalapan, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Manalapan in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Manalapan?
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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 Manalapan. 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 Manalapan 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