Optometrist Hourly Pay in Troy, NY: $82.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Troy, NY runs $82.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $172,219 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Troy's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $71.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $103,335 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Troy, NY, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to reach $82.80 in 2026, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $67.60 in the same year. This robust wage presents attractive opportunities for both part-time and per-diem optometrists operating in various settings, such as private exam rooms, retail optical chains, and university clinics. The hourly range reflects the profession's diversity, with entry-level positions starting around $48.02 and experienced practitioners earning up to $122.81 per hour. These figures indicate that optometrists in Troy not only benefit from a competitive compensation structure but also enjoy the flexibility to tailor their work schedules, whether they choose to work part-time three days a week or take on per-diem roles in a variety of healthcare environments.
About the Troy 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) | $48.02 | $384.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65.41 | $523.28 |
| Median (P50) | $82.80 | $662.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100.61 | $804.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $122.81 | $982.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Troy
Based on $82.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $82.80/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Troy, NY can expect to earn approximately $172,225 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $99,361. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Troy.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Troy
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,312.02 | $14,352 | $172,225 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,987.21 | $8,611 | $103,335 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,324.81 | $5,741 | $68,890 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Troy) | $82.80 |
| 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 Troy, NY earn a median of $172,219 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.48% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 3.60% above the New York state average of $166,235.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $82.80/hr = $103,335/year (purchasing power: $89,159).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $172,225/year (purchasing power: $148,598).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$67.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$80.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$82.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Troy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $69.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $73.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $73.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $77.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $84.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $80.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Troy grew 18.5% from $67.87/hr (2019) to $80.42/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $85.25/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 Troy 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 Troy
Earnings potential for part-time optometrists, averaging 24 hours per week, can yield approximately $128,000 annually, making this an appealing choice for those seeking a balanced work-life dynamic without committing to full-time hours. For per-diem or agency optometrists, the pay structure varies widely depending on the employer: retail chains may offer daily rates between $500 and $800, while more specialized practice fills can command $700 to $1,200 daily. Furthermore, residency-trained professionals working in hospital settings can bill rates ranging from $90 to $130 hourly, showcasing the lucrative nature of their expertise. It's essential for optometrists in Troy to assess the trade-offs between higher hourly rates with no benefits and lower rates that include health insurance, especially when negotiating contracts. Understanding the specific dynamics of different employer types—like private practices versus retail chains or VA medical centers—can provide leverage in salary discussions and help optimize career paths.
More salary data for Troy, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Troy in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Troy?
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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 Troy. 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 Troy 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