Optometrist Hourly Pay in Piscataway, NJ: $77.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Piscataway, NJ runs $77.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $161,078 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Piscataway's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $67.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $96,640 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists working in Piscataway, New Jersey, can expect a median hourly rate of $77.44, which is significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $67.60. This competitive pay scale enables part-time optometrists, those who may work three days a week, to earn a substantial income while maintaining a flexible schedule. In terms of pay ranges, entry-level optometrists at the lower end can earn around $44.91 per hour, while experienced professionals or those in high-demand settings can see their hourly rates rise to $117.41. The hourly compensation reflects the region's cost of living, which is above the national average, and is estimated from robust salary data applying projections from 2025 BLS statistics to 2026, illustrating a commitment to fair remuneration in a variety of practice settings—ranging from private optometry offices to retail chain locations.
About the Piscataway 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) | $44.91 | $359.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59.76 | $478.06 |
| Median (P50) | $77.44 | $619.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95.63 | $765.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $117.41 | $939.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Piscataway
Based on $77.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $77.44/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Piscataway, NJ can expect to earn approximately $161,067 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $92,923. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Piscataway.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Piscataway
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,097.45 | $13,422 | $161,067 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,858.47 | $8,053 | $96,640 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,238.98 | $5,369 | $64,427 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Piscataway) | $77.44 |
| 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 Piscataway, NJ earn a median of $161,078 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.55% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 0.60% below the New Jersey state average of $162,050.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $77.44/hr = $96,640/year (purchasing power: $83,889).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $161,067/year (purchasing power: $139,815).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$63.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$75.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$77.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Piscataway (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $65.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $68.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $69.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $72.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $82.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $75.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Piscataway grew 18.5% from $63.47/hr (2019) to $75.21/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $79.73/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 Piscataway 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 Piscataway
For those considering a part-time role, an optometrist working 24 hours a week could expect to take home approximately $95,135 annually, versus a full-time position accumulating around $161,078. The per diem model in Piscataway offers optometrists even greater flexibility, with daily rates varying widely; retail chains may pay $500 to $800 per day, while more specialized practice settings could offer $700 to $1,200 per day for fill-in roles. Ocular disease specialists at hospitals might see rates climbing up to $130 an hour. Employers vary significantly in their pay structures, with private practices often providing lower hourly rates but compensated by benefits like health insurance, whereas retail chains may offer higher rates but fewer or no benefits. This trade-off is crucial for many optometrists in Piscataway who weigh immediate compensation against long-term security. To maximize their earnings in both hourly roles and per diem opportunities, optometrists might consider negotiation tactics emphasizing their specialized training—such as residency experience—and the expanding scope of their practice, including glaucoma management and laser procedures.
More salary data for Piscataway, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Piscataway 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 Piscataway. 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 Piscataway 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