Optometrist Hourly Pay in Delaware, OH: $65.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Delaware, OH runs $65.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $135,601 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Delaware's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $71.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,362 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Delaware, Ohio, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to reach $65.19 by 2026, slightly lower than the national median of $67.60. This rate allows optometrists working in diverse settings like private practices, retail optical chains, and hospital outpatient clinics to earn a flexible income, especially for those in part-time roles or per-diem positions. For example, an optometrist working three days a week could effectively plan their finances around this rate. The hourly earnings can range significantly, from approximately $37.82 for entry-level positions to as much as $91.10 for experienced professionals, providing a spectrum of earning potential suitable for various practice environments across Delaware.
About the Delaware Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.82 | $302.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.68 | $437.46 |
| Median (P50) | $65.19 | $521.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.58 | $612.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91.10 | $728.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Delaware
Based on $65.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.19/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Delaware, OH can expect to earn approximately $135,604 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,233. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Delaware.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Delaware
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,607.77 | $11,300 | $135,604 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,564.66 | $6,780 | $81,362 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,043.11 | $4,520 | $54,242 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Delaware) | $65.19 |
| 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 Delaware, OH earn a median of $135,601 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.56% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.20% below the Ohio state average of $137,248.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.19/hr = $81,362/year (purchasing power: $89,705).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $135,604/year (purchasing power: $149,508).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Delaware (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Delaware grew 18.5% from $53.44/hr (2019) to $63.32/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.12/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 Delaware 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 Delaware
For those considering part-time opportunities, working as a three-day-per-week optometrist could yield earnings that are noticeably lower than those of full-time practitioners but still substantial enough for a solid income. On the per-diem front, optometrists filling in at retail locations may command daily rates between $500 and $800, while those in OD/MD practices could see between $700 and $1,200 per day. Residency-trained ocular disease optometrists working in hospital systems often receive pay between $90 and $130 per hour. It's essential to understand that pay can vary significantly depending on the type of employer—whether it be a solo practice, retail chain, or ophthalmology group. Some optometrists may choose to accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance that are generally not available in higher-paying, contract-based roles. When negotiating hourly pay in Delaware, it's advisable to highlight specialized training or experience in key areas like glaucoma management or oral medications, as such qualifications can significantly enhance earning potential.
More salary data for Delaware, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Delaware in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Delaware?
Are optometrists in Delaware paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Delaware?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Delaware?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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 Delaware. 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 Delaware 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