Optometrist Hourly Pay in Union, NJ: $78.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Union, NJ runs $78.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $163,528 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Union's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $68.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $98,118 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The 2026 projected hourly median pay for optometrists in Union, NJ is $78.62, significantly higher than the national median of $67.60. This competitive rate provides a strong incentive for both full-time and part-time practitioners. Part-time optometrists working three days a week can expect their earnings to reflect this hourly rate, allowing for flexible schedules that fit well within private optometry offices, retail optical chains, and teaching clinics. The hourly pay landscape also varies; entry-level optometrists might earn around $45.60 per hour, while experienced professionals in high-demand settings can command up to $113.73. Such earnings make optometry an appealing option in Union, where the demand for quality eye care continues to rise.
About the Union 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) | $45.60 | $364.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62.11 | $496.84 |
| Median (P50) | $78.62 | $628.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $93.81 | $750.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $113.73 | $909.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Union
Based on $78.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $78.62/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Union, NJ can expect to earn approximately $163,530 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $94,344. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Union.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Union
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,144.81 | $13,628 | $163,530 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,886.89 | $8,177 | $98,118 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,257.92 | $5,451 | $65,412 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Union) | $78.62 |
| 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 Union, NJ earn a median of $163,528 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.30% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.00% above the New Jersey state average of $161,909.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $78.62/hr = $98,118/year (purchasing power: $85,172).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $163,530/year (purchasing power: $141,953).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$64.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$76.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$78.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Union (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $66.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $69.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $70.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $73.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $83.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $76.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Union grew 18.5% from $64.44/hr (2019) to $76.36/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $80.95/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 Union 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 Union
Examining the financial dynamics of the optometry profession in Union reveals intriguing opportunities and challenges, particularly for those pursuing part-time work or per-diem positions. A three-day workweek, translating to approximately 24 hours, could yield around $91,000 annually, a substantial income for someone seeking flexibility. Additionally, per diem optometrists can command varying rates based on their work environment; at retail chains, hourly rates might average between $500 and $800 per day. For hospital systems, the rates could reach as high as $130 per hour for residency-trained ocular disease specialists. The type of employer significantly influences compensation, with solo and group practices, as well as retail chains like LensCrafters and Walmart Vision, offering different hourly structures. Furthermore, some optometrists may choose positions with lesser hourly pay in exchange for benefits like health insurance, prompting discussions on trade-offs when negotiating pay. Those engaged in Union’s optometry landscape must weigh both the financial and practical implications of their choices as they navigate their careers.
More salary data for Union, 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 Union. 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 Union 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