Optometrist Hourly Pay in Newark, NJ: $79.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Newark, NJ runs $79.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $166,042 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Newark's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $69.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $99,621 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Newark, New Jersey, the optometrist hourly pay is notably competitive, with a median rate projected at $79.82 per hour in 2026. This figure stands out when compared to the national median of $67.60 per hour, reflecting a premium location for practitioners in this field. For part-time optometrists working three days a week, earning $79.82 an hour translates to a substantial income, providing a viable option for those balancing other commitments or seeking flexibility in their careers. Entry-level salaries begin around $46.30 per hour, while experienced professionals can command up to $123.74 per hour, showcasing the wide range of potential earnings available in various settings, from private optometry clinics to retail optical chains.
About the Newark 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) | $46.30 | $370.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64.51 | $516.12 |
| Median (P50) | $79.82 | $638.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100.72 | $805.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $123.74 | $989.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Newark
Based on $79.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $79.82/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Newark, NJ can expect to earn approximately $166,036 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $95,790. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Newark.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Newark
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,193.00 | $13,836 | $166,036 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,915.80 | $8,302 | $99,621 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,277.20 | $5,535 | $66,414 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Newark) | $79.82 |
| 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 Newark, NJ earn a median of $166,042 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.09% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.50% above the New Jersey state average of $161,992.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $79.82/hr = $99,621/year (purchasing power: $86,477).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $166,036/year (purchasing power: $144,128).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$65.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$77.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$79.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Newark (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $67.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $70.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $71.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $74.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $87.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $77.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Newark grew 18.5% from $65.43/hr (2019) to $77.53/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $82.19/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 Newark 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 Newark
Though consistently employed optometrists enjoy solid hourly compensation, part-time positions reveal different earning dynamics. An optometrist working 24 hours a week can expect to take home around $62,016 annually, a substantial yet reduced sum compared to their full-time colleagues. For those opting for per diem roles, the pay can vary significantly; filling in at retail chains may yield daily earnings of $500 to $800, while coverage at specialized practices typically offers rates between $700 and $1,200 per day. Specialty-trained optometrists in hospital systems might see pay rates of $90 to $130 per hour. Different employment types, such as private practices, retail chains, and military health systems, exhibit variations in compensation structures. Many optometrists might choose lower hourly wages for positions that offer comprehensive benefits, while others may prioritize higher pay without the safety of health insurance. When negotiating hourly rates, focusing on the specific benefits offered and aligning them with personal career goals is key for Newark's optometrists.
More salary data for Newark, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Newark in 2026?
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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 Newark. 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 Newark 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