Optometrist Hourly Pay in Rochester, NY: $78.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Rochester, NY runs $78.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $164,098 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Rochester's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.0, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $81.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $98,452 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Rochester, NY, the optometrist hourly pay stands at a median of $78.89, which is significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $67.60. This rate is particularly beneficial for part-time and per-diem workers, allowing them to maintain reasonable earnings while balancing other commitments. With an hourly range extending from $49.02 at the entry-level to $92.91 for top earners, optometrists in various settings, including private practice, retail optical chains, and outpatient clinics, can find ample opportunities to thrive. The official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data underlines the competitive nature of this profession in Rochester, making it a viable option for both seasoned professionals and those starting their journeys in optometry.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49.02 | $392.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62.66 | $501.29 |
| Median (P50) | $78.89 | $631.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.08 | $664.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92.91 | $743.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rochester
Based on $78.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $78.89/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rochester, NY can expect to earn approximately $164,087 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $94,666. With a cost-of-living index of 97.03 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rochester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rochester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,155.52 | $13,674 | $164,087 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,893.31 | $8,204 | $98,452 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,262.21 | $5,470 | $65,635 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Rochester) | $78.89 |
| 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 Rochester, NY earn a median of $164,098 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.70% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.30% below the New York state average of $166,259.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $78.89/hr = $98,452/year (purchasing power: $101,460).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $164,087/year (purchasing power: $169,101).
CoL index: 97.035 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$55.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$76.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$78.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+46.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Rochester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $62.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $66.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $67.30/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $76.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Rochester grew 38.6% from $55.28/hr (2019) to $76.62/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $81.22/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 Rochester 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 Rochester
When considering part-time work, an optometrist operating three days a week can anticipate annual earnings that significantly differ from a full-time schedule. For instance, working 24 hours per week could yield around $61,475, depending on hours worked and the employer's type. On the other hand, per diem optometrists can command daily rates that range from $500 to $1,200, a reality that makes fill-in positions appealing, especially for those who prefer varied work environments. These positions may yield diverse compensation based on employer types, spanning private practices and larger retail chains, while the negotiation dynamics reflect whether one opts for a higher hourly wage devoid of health benefits or a lower rate with additional perks like health insurance. Understanding these dynamics is vital for success in navigating opportunities in Rochester's optometry scene.
More salary data for Rochester, 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 Rochester. 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