Optometrist Hourly Pay in Binghamton, NY: $79.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Binghamton, NY runs $79.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $164,450 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Binghamton's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $68.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $98,671 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Binghamton, NY, can expect a median hourly pay of $79.06, significantly higher than the national median of $67.60. This competitive rate supports a variety of work arrangements, allowing practitioners to thrive in various settings such as private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains, and hospital-affiliated practices. For those choosing to work part-time—say, three days a week—this hourly pay translates into important financial flexibility for maintaining a work-life balance. The hourly earnings throughout Binghamton range from $45.86 for entry-level positions to $110.97 for highly experienced professionals, illustrating the diverse earning potential shaped by experience, employer type, and workload. These figures are estimated from annual salary data, emphasizing their significance in making career decisions within the optometry field.
About the Binghamton Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45.86 | $366.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66.50 | $532.01 |
| Median (P50) | $79.06 | $632.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92.93 | $743.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $110.97 | $887.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Binghamton
Based on $79.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $79.06/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Binghamton, NY can expect to earn approximately $164,451 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $94,876. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Binghamton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Binghamton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,162.52 | $13,704 | $164,451 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,897.51 | $8,223 | $98,671 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,265.01 | $5,482 | $65,780 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Binghamton) | $79.06 |
| 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 Binghamton, NY earn a median of $164,450 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.95% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.10% below the New York state average of $166,279.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $79.06/hr = $98,671/year (purchasing power: $85,134).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $164,451/year (purchasing power: $141,890).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$64.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$76.79/hr
2026 Current Est.
$79.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Binghamton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $66.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $69.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $70.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $74.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $58.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $76.79/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Binghamton grew 18.5% from $64.80/hr (2019) to $76.79/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $81.40/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 Binghamton 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 Binghamton
For part-time optometrists working a three-day schedule, the financial implications are substantial. A practitioner could expect to earn approximately $61,440 annually, compared to full-time peers who take home about $164,450. In addition, per-diem optometrists can generate considerable income by billing daily; those at retail chains typically earn between $500 and $800 per day, while positions in OD/MD models allow for rates between $700 and $1,200 daily. Factors like the type of employer greatly influence hourly compensation; while private optometry practices may offer lower hourly rates, they often provide benefits that retail chains may not. As negotiations are essential, optometrists should weigh options carefully, discussing health insurance versus higher pay. Understanding the local market dynamics and compensation trends is crucial for maximizing earnings in Binghamton's optometric landscape.
More salary data for Binghamton, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Binghamton in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Binghamton?
Are optometrists in Binghamton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Binghamton?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Binghamton?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New York
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 Binghamton. 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 Binghamton 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