Optometrist Hourly Pay in Mount Vernon, NY: $79.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Mount Vernon, NY runs $79.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $165,116 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Mount Vernon's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $68.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $99,069 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mount Vernon, NY, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $79.38 in 2026, which is significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $67.60. This attractive pay scale affords opportunities for flexibility, making it feasible for those in part-time roles — such as those working three days a week in various settings including private eye clinics, retail optical chains, and VA outpatient facilities. Entry-level optometrists in this area can expect to earn around $46.04 per hour, while seasoned professionals can command up to $120.19 per hour, reflecting the diversity of experience and facility type among local practices. The data estimates are derived from annual salary numbers, translating into attractive compensation for both full-time and per diem workers in the profession.
About the Mount Vernon 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) | $46.04 | $368.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65.91 | $527.32 |
| Median (P50) | $79.38 | $635.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97.93 | $783.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $120.19 | $961.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mount Vernon
Based on $79.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $79.38/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mount Vernon, NY can expect to earn approximately $165,115 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $95,259. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Mount Vernon.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mount Vernon
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,175.29 | $13,760 | $165,115 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,905.17 | $8,256 | $99,069 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,270.11 | $5,504 | $66,046 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Mount Vernon) | $79.38 |
| 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 Mount Vernon, NY earn a median of $165,116 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.43% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 0.70% below the New York state average of $166,280.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $79.38/hr = $99,069/year (purchasing power: $85,478).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $165,115/year (purchasing power: $142,463).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$65.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$77.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$79.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Mount Vernon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $66.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $70.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $70.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $74.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $83.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $77.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Mount Vernon grew 18.5% from $65.06/hr (2019) to $77.10/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $81.73/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 Mount Vernon 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 Mount Vernon
Considering part-time employment in Mount Vernon, an optometrist working 24 hours a week would typically take home just under $61,864 annually. For locum tenens or per-diem optometrists, the earnings can be even more lucrative on a daily basis, with known rates ranging from $500 to $1,200 per day based on the practice type, specifically within retail chains and OD/MD models. This fluctuation in pay highlights how remuneration varies across employer types in Mount Vernon, where individuals may opt for retail giants like LensCrafters or pursue opportunities in specialized ophthalmology practices. Additionally, benefits often pose a trade-off, causing some optometrists to accept lower hourly pay in exchange for health insurance coverage, which can be critical for long-term career satisfaction. For those negotiating hourly rates, being informed about the local market and value of specialized training can provide a substantial advantage in achieving fair compensation levels.
More salary data for Mount Vernon, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Mount Vernon in 2026?
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Are optometrists in Mount Vernon paid hourly or salary?
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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 Mount Vernon. 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 Mount Vernon 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