Optometrist Hourly Pay in Buffalo, NY: $81.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Buffalo, NY runs $81.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $170,543 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Buffalo's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.8, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $85.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $102,320 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Buffalo, NY, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to be approximately $81.99 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $67.60. This favorable pay rate positions optometrists in Buffalo well above the national average, making it an attractive market for both full-time and part-time practitioners. Part-time optometrists working three days a week could earn substantial income based on this hourly rate, allowing for flexible schedules without sacrificing financial stability. Those working on a per-diem basis in retail chains, private practices, or outpatient clinics can see earnings fluctuate, with entry-level positions starting around $52.79 per hour and top earners reaching $84.58. This official BLS data reflects the variety of employment settings where optometrists in Buffalo practice, from traditional private offices to more contemporary retail environments.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52.79 | $422.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62.21 | $497.67 |
| Median (P50) | $81.99 | $655.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.69 | $669.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84.58 | $676.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Buffalo
Based on $81.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $81.99/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Buffalo, NY can expect to earn approximately $170,533 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $98,384. With a cost-of-living index of 95.84 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Buffalo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Buffalo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,279.48 | $14,211 | $170,533 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,967.69 | $8,527 | $102,320 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,311.79 | $5,684 | $68,213 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Buffalo) | $81.99 |
| 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 Buffalo, NY earn a median of $170,543 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.29% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.60% above the New York state average of $166,221.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $81.99/hr = $102,320/year (purchasing power: $106,757).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $170,533/year (purchasing power: $177,928).
CoL index: 95.844 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$58.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$79.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$81.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Buffalo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $62.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $66.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $77.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $79.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Buffalo grew 36.3% from $58.44/hr (2019) to $79.63/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $84.41/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 Buffalo 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 Buffalo
Analyzing the earning potential of optometrists who choose part-time or per-diem opportunities in Buffalo reveals interesting dynamics. For instance, an optometrist working 24 hours a week at the projected hourly rate could see earnings of about $102,316 annually, clearly demonstrating how flexible work arrangements can still yield a respectable income. Per diem optometrists tend to charge fees ranging from $500 to $1,200 per day depending on the practice type, with residency-trained ODs commonly fetching $90 to $130 per hour in health care facilities. Hourly rates vary significantly depending on the employer; private practices may offer lower but more consistent income compared to retail chains that may prioritize volume over other benefits. Many optometrists negotiate for salaries that include health benefits, which, while lower than their hourly counterparts without benefits, can provide essential support. In Buffalo, effective negotiation strategies are vital; understanding the value of accreditation from entities like AOA can empower practitioners to confidently seek competitive rates in this thriving optometric market.
More salary data for Buffalo, NY:
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 Buffalo. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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