Optometrist Hourly Pay in Kiryas Joel, NY: $80.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Kiryas Joel, NY runs $80.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $166,641 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Kiryas Joel's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.4, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $73.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $99,981 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Kiryas Joel, NY, the optometrist hourly pay sits at a remarkable $80.11, significantly surpassing the national average of $67.60. This competitive rate highlights the attractiveness of the profession for both full-time employees and those seeking part-time opportunities, such as those working three days a week or adopting a per-diem approach in diverse environments, including retail chains or private optometry offices. For individuals just entering the field, hourly rates can start at around $53.14, while seasoned professionals may earn up to $97.77, depending on their practice type and expertise. Such figures, derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics data, reflect the robust demand for optometric services and the growing recognition of their vital role in healthcare.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53.14 | $425.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66.71 | $533.66 |
| Median (P50) | $80.11 | $640.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87.53 | $700.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97.77 | $782.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kiryas Joel
Based on $80.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $80.11/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kiryas Joel, NY can expect to earn approximately $166,635 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $96,136. With a cost-of-living index of 109.42 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kiryas Joel.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kiryas Joel
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,204.53 | $13,886 | $166,635 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,922.72 | $8,332 | $99,981 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,281.81 | $5,555 | $66,654 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Kiryas Joel) | $80.11 |
| 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 Kiryas Joel, NY earn a median of $166,641 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.51% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 0.30% above the New York state average of $166,142.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $80.11/hr = $99,981/year (purchasing power: $91,372).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $166,635/year (purchasing power: $152,287).
CoL index: 109.422 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$65.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$77.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$80.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Kiryas Joel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $67.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $70.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $71.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $75.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $70.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $77.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Kiryas Joel grew 18.5% from $65.66/hr (2019) to $77.81/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $82.48/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 Kiryas Joel 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 Kiryas Joel
For an optometrist choosing to work part-time in Kiryas Joel, the potential for earnings can be very appealing. A three-day workweek, translating to approximately 24 hours, might net a part-time practitioner an annual income of about $99,470—still quite lucrative compared to many other professions. Meanwhile, per diem optometrists generally earn between $500 and $800 per day in retail settings, escalating to $700 to $1,200 in OD/MD practice environments where they fill in for regular staff. This variation in per diem optometrist pay in Kiryas Joel reflects the pricing dynamics of different practice types; independent optometrists can often command higher rates due to personalized service, while retail chains cater to higher patient volumes. Ultimately, many optometrists face the decision between accepting lower hourly wages with the benefits of health insurance or pursuing independent roles that maximize hourly earnings without such perks. To negotiate effectively, individuals should research local industry standards and be prepared to discuss their unique qualifications and experiences that justify their desired rate.
More salary data for Kiryas Joel, 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 Kiryas Joel. 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, 2-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