Optometrist Hourly Pay in Passaic, NJ: $76.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Passaic, NJ runs $76.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $158,551 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Passaic's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $66.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $95,137 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Passaic, New Jersey, are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $76.23, notably higher than the national median of $67.60. This competitive rate opens doors for both part-time and per-diem optometrists, who can work three days a week in various settings such as private practices, retail optical chains, and university clinics. When considering the hourly range, entry-level optometrists can expect to earn around $44.21, while top earners might reach up to $115.94 per hour. These figures, derived from estimated annual salaries, reflect the desirability and demand for qualified optometrists in this region of NJ, where professionals can shape their careers based on their availability and work preferences.
About the Passaic 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) | $44.21 | $353.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61.95 | $495.61 |
| Median (P50) | $76.23 | $609.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94.35 | $754.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $115.94 | $927.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Passaic
Based on $76.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $76.23/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Passaic, NJ can expect to earn approximately $158,562 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $91,478. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Passaic.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Passaic
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,049.26 | $13,213 | $158,562 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,829.56 | $7,928 | $95,137 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,219.71 | $5,285 | $63,425 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Passaic) | $76.23 |
| 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 Passaic, NJ earn a median of $158,551 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.76% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.10% below the New Jersey state average of $161,952.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $76.23/hr = $95,137/year (purchasing power: $82,584).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $158,562/year (purchasing power: $137,640).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$62.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$74.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$76.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Passaic (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $64.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $67.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $68.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $71.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $81.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $74.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Passaic grew 18.5% from $62.48/hr (2019) to $74.04/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $78.49/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 Passaic 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 Passaic
The financial dynamics for part-time optometrists in Passaic reveal intriguing earning potential. A professional working three days a week, clocking in 24 hours, could earn nearly $95,900 annually, a substantial income that allows for flexibility and a decent quality of life. In the realm of per-diem opportunities, optometrists can find lucrative engagements, especially at retail chains, where daily rates can range from $500 to $800. For those stepping into more specialized roles, such as residency-trained ocular disease optometrists, daily compensation can reach between $700 and $1,200. As hiring practices evolve, the hourly rates also fluctuate based on employer types—private practices, optical chains, and healthcare systems offer varying incentives. It's common for some optometrists to trade a slightly lower hourly rate for the stability of benefits that come with full-time employment. Understanding these nuances is vital for negotiations; for instance, emphasizing specific skills, or how residency training can add value can boost hourly negotiations effectively in the local market.
More salary data for Passaic, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Passaic in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Passaic?
Are optometrists in Passaic paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Passaic?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Passaic?
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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 Passaic. 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 Passaic 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