Optometrist Hourly Pay in Elmira, NY: $75.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Elmira, NY runs $75.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $157,330 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Elmira's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $65.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $94,392 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elmira, NY, the current optometrist hourly pay stands at $75.63, significantly above the national hourly median of $67.60. This competitive rate provides a strong incentive for part-time workers, allowing those who might prefer a three-day workweek to earn a respectable income while maintaining a work-life balance. Part-time or per-diem optometrists can find work in diverse settings, from private optometry exam rooms to retail optical chains like Walmart Vision. Within Elmira, the hourly pay can vary widely, with entry-level positions offering around $43.87 and experienced optometrists earning as much as $106.84, indicating that the market offers appealing opportunities for both new graduates and seasoned professionals.
About the Elmira 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) | $43.87 | $350.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61.23 | $489.84 |
| Median (P50) | $75.63 | $605.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89.54 | $716.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106.84 | $854.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elmira
Based on $75.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $75.63/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elmira, NY can expect to earn approximately $157,320 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $90,761. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Elmira.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elmira
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,025.38 | $13,110 | $157,320 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,815.23 | $7,866 | $94,392 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,210.15 | $5,244 | $62,928 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Elmira) | $75.63 |
| 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 Elmira, NY earn a median of $157,330 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.89% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 5.30% below the New York state average of $166,135.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $75.63/hr = $94,392/year (purchasing power: $81,442).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $157,320/year (purchasing power: $135,737).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$61.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$73.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$75.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Elmira (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $63.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $66.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $67.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $70.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $79.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $73.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Elmira grew 18.5% from $61.99/hr (2019) to $73.46/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $77.87/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 Elmira 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 Elmira
For optometrists considering part-time work in Elmira, such as a typical three-day workweek totaling 24 hours, the annual income can still be substantial compared to full-time commitments, allowing for personal flexibility while still providing a decent living. Per diem optometrists generally invoice rates ranging from $500 to $800 per day at retail chains, while those filling in at OD/MD practices might earn between $700 to $1,200 daily. The hourly compensation for residency-trained optometrists working in hospital settings could be lucrative, often reaching $90 to $130 for 1099 agreements. Additionally, rates can fluctuate based on the employer type— whether it’s a private practice, retail chain, or hospital setting— with benefits often being a deciding factor in compensation negotiations. Optometrists in Elmira should weigh the trade-offs between lower hourly rates with benefits versus higher rates without health insurance, while employing strategic negotiation practices to optimize their compensation package in this evolving industry.
More salary data for Elmira, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Elmira in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Elmira?
Are optometrists in Elmira paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Elmira?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Elmira?
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 Elmira. 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 Elmira 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