Optometrist Hourly Pay in Vineland, NJ: $78.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Vineland, NJ runs $78.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $162,335 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Vineland's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $67.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $97,399 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the optometrist hourly pay in Vineland, NJ, is projected to reach a median of $78.04, significantly higher than the national median of $67.60. This competitive hourly rate offers attraction not just for full-time positions but also for part-time or per-diem roles within various settings, including private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and outpatient eye clinics. For professionals working three days a week, the opportunity to leverage this attractive rate makes it feasible for them to balance work and life commitments while still earning a respectable income. Hourly wages for optometrists in Vineland can range from $45.26 at the lower end (P10) to around $111.74 for the highest earners (P90), providing a substantial variation that reflects experience, specialization, and the type of practice environment.
About the Vineland 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) | $45.26 | $362.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60.95 | $487.62 |
| Median (P50) | $78.04 | $624.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92.43 | $739.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $111.74 | $893.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Vineland
Based on $78.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $78.04/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Vineland, NJ can expect to earn approximately $162,331 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $93,652. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Vineland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Vineland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,121.75 | $13,528 | $162,331 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,873.05 | $8,117 | $97,399 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,248.70 | $5,411 | $64,932 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Vineland) | $78.04 |
| 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 Vineland, NJ earn a median of $162,335 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.45% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 0.20% above the New Jersey state average of $162,011.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $78.04/hr = $97,399/year (purchasing power: $84,547).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $162,331/year (purchasing power: $140,912).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$63.97/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$75.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$78.04/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Vineland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63.97/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $65.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $68.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $69.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $73.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $83.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $75.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Vineland grew 18.5% from $63.97/hr (2019) to $75.80/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $80.35/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 Vineland 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 Vineland
Considering the flexibility of employment types, part-time optometrists in Vineland who work 24 hours weekly could earn approximately $91,596 annually, while full-time colleagues could secure a much higher income. For per-diem positions, rates often differ widely; fill-in optometrists at retail chains typically range from $500 to $800 daily, whereas those in OD/MD practices may command between $700 and $1,200 a day. With the rise of private equity in optometry, hourly rates are also influenced by the employer type—those in retail chains may face lower base pay in exchange for health benefits, while independent practices might offer higher wages without additional perks. Optometrists can benefit from negotiating terms based on their requirements; if they opt for higher hourly rates, they may need to set aside personal benefits. They should also consider market demands, skill specialization, and the impact of practice ownership on potential earnings when discussing compensation packages in Vineland.
More salary data for Vineland, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Vineland in 2026?
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Are optometrists in Vineland paid hourly or salary?
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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 Vineland. 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 Vineland 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