Optometrist Hourly Pay in Wayne, NJ: $76.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Wayne, NJ runs $76.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $158,615 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Wayne's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $66.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $95,163 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wayne, New Jersey, optometrists command a median hourly pay of $76.25, notably above the national average of $67.60 per hour. This higher rate reflects the local demand for eye care services and could significantly benefit part-time and per-diem optometrists who typically work in environments such as private practices or retail optical chains. For those on a three-day work week, the potential for flexible scheduling is appealing, allowing optometrists to balance work-life commitments while earning a competitive wage. With an hourly range spanning from $44.23 for entry-level positions to $113.27 for top-earners, the profession offers lucrative opportunities for various experience levels across different clinical settings in Wayne.
About the Wayne 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) | $44.23 | $353.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60.34 | $482.76 |
| Median (P50) | $76.25 | $610.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92.76 | $742.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $113.27 | $906.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wayne
Based on $76.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $76.25/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wayne, NJ can expect to earn approximately $158,605 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $91,503. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Wayne.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wayne
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,050.09 | $13,217 | $158,605 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,830.05 | $7,930 | $95,163 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,220.03 | $5,287 | $63,442 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Wayne) | $76.25 |
| 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 Wayne, NJ earn a median of $158,615 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.80% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.10% below the New Jersey state average of $162,017.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $76.25/hr = $95,163/year (purchasing power: $82,607).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $158,605/year (purchasing power: $137,678).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$62.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$74.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$76.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Wayne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $64.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $67.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $68.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $71.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $81.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $74.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Wayne grew 18.5% from $62.50/hr (2019) to $74.06/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $78.51/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 Wayne 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 Wayne
When examining the earning potential for part-time optometrists in Wayne, working 24 hours a week can yield an annual income significantly less than that of full-time counterparts, yet still provides viable financial stability. Per diem optometrists often find themselves earning between $500 to $800 per day at retail chains and $700 to $1,200 in more specialized practices. Additionally, residency-trained ocular disease optometrists can pursue hourly contracts between $90 and $130, adding to the profession's versatility. Optometrists in Wayne may experience hourly wages that vary with employer type, reflecting a trade-off between benefits and pay. For example, while larger retail optical chains may provide better health insurance, some ODs choose higher hourly rates in private practices, opting out of benefits. Navigating these choices requires careful consideration, and establishing strong negotiation skills can make a significant difference in securing optimal pay and employment terms in this evolving field.
More salary data for Wayne, 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 Wayne. 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 Wayne 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