Optometrist Hourly Pay in Yonkers, NY: $81.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Yonkers, NY runs $81.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $170,500 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Yonkers's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $70.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $102,294 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Yonkers, New York, the projected median optometrist hourly pay for 2026 is $81.97, significantly higher than the national median of $67.60. This rate reflects not only the demand for eye care services but also the higher cost of living in the area, as evidenced by a cost of living index of 115.9. For those in part-time positions, such as individuals working three days a week, the hourly rate translates into substantial earnings depending on their weekly hours and practice type. Per-diem optometrists, common in various settings like private optometry exam rooms and retail optical chains, can expect a broad range of hourly compensation. With entry-level positions starting around $47.55 and experienced optometrists earning up to $127.05 per hour, the field offers diverse earning potential for all levels.
About the Yonkers 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) | $47.55 | $380.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63.96 | $511.67 |
| Median (P50) | $81.97 | $655.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102.86 | $822.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $127.05 | $1016.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Yonkers
Based on $81.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $81.97/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Yonkers, NY can expect to earn approximately $170,490 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $98,360. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Yonkers.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Yonkers
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,278.66 | $14,208 | $170,490 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,967.19 | $8,525 | $102,294 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,311.46 | $5,683 | $68,196 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Yonkers) | $81.97 |
| 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 Yonkers, NY earn a median of $170,500 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.26% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.60% above the New York state average of $166,179.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $81.97/hr = $102,294/year (purchasing power: $88,261).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $170,490/year (purchasing power: $147,101).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$67.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$79.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$81.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Yonkers (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $68.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $72.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $73.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $76.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $85.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $79.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Yonkers grew 18.5% from $67.18/hr (2019) to $79.61/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $84.39/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 Yonkers 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 Yonkers
Part-time optometrists working 24 hours a week can effectively take home a competitive income, yet the earnings will differ from full-time salaries, emphasizing a trade-off between flexible scheduling and overall financial stability. Per-diem positions in Yonkers can be lucrative, with optometrists typically billing between $500 and $800 per day in retail chains, and up to $1,200 per day in specialized OD/MD practices. Variation in pay is evident across employer types; private practices often provide different compensation structures compared to large retail chains like LensCrafters or community health centers. Health insurance and benefits are critical factors influencing hourly rates, prompting some professionals to consider lower-paying jobs for stability while others seek higher hourly rates without benefits. For those navigating negotiations, understanding the local job market and demonstrating expertise can lead to more favorable hourly agreements tailored to both the working environment and specific skill sets in eye care.
More salary data for Yonkers, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Yonkers in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Yonkers?
Are optometrists in Yonkers paid hourly or salary?
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Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Yonkers?
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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 Yonkers. 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 Yonkers 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