Optometrist Hourly Pay in Niagara Falls, NY: $78.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Niagara Falls, NY runs $78.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $163,754 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Niagara Falls's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $67.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $98,247 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median hourly pay of $78.72, optometrists in Niagara Falls, NY, earn significantly more than the national average of $67.60. This higher rate reflects the region's cost of living and demand for eye care specialists capable of addressing both routine vision issues and emerging treatment options. For part-time practitioners working three days a week—typically clocking in around 24 hours—this compensation can provide a respectable income, especially in settings like private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and hospital clinics. The hourly wage range in this locale spans from $45.66 for entry-level positions to $109.65 for experienced professionals, indicating a robust market for both aspiring and established optometrists.
About the Niagara Falls 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) | $45.66 | $365.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62.75 | $502.03 |
| Median (P50) | $78.72 | $629.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92.25 | $738.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109.65 | $877.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Niagara Falls
Based on $78.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $78.72/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Niagara Falls, NY can expect to earn approximately $163,744 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $94,468. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Niagara Falls.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Niagara Falls
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,148.93 | $13,645 | $163,744 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,889.36 | $8,187 | $98,247 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,259.57 | $5,458 | $65,498 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Niagara Falls) | $78.72 |
| 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 Niagara Falls, NY earn a median of $163,754 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.46% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.50% below the New York state average of $166,247.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $78.72/hr = $98,247/year (purchasing power: $84,768).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $163,744/year (purchasing power: $141,281).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$64.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$76.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$78.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Niagara Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $66.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $69.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $70.31/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $73.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $82.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $76.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Niagara Falls grew 18.5% from $64.52/hr (2019) to $76.46/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $81.05/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 Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls
The financial realities for part-time and per diem optometrists in Niagara Falls can vary widely based on their employment settings. For instance, a part-time optometrist working 24 hours a week could earn upwards of $98,238 annually, in contrast to a full-time practitioner. Per diem roles further expand earning potential, with rates typically falling between $500 and $1,200 daily, depending on the nature of the practice—retail chains often pay less than independent or specialized clinics. Hourly compensation can also differ across employer types. Those in private practices might earn lower hourly wages but receive benefits, while retail chains focus on maximizing the number of patients seen in a shorter timeframe, leading to higher pay for more experience. Ultimately, negotiating hourly wages can be advantageous, especially for independent contractors, and understanding local market conditions—including the transitioning landscape of optometry—can play a significant role in securing a favorable agreement.
More salary data for Niagara Falls, 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 Niagara Falls. 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 Niagara Falls 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