Optometrist Hourly Pay in Hamilton, OH: $66.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Hamilton, OH runs $66.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $137,374 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Hamilton's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $72.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,429 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
According to estimates based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, optometrists in Hamilton, Ohio, earn a median hourly rate of $66.05. This figure is slightly below the national median hourly pay of $67.60, reflecting regional variations in the healthcare labor market. For optometrists interested in part-time roles, working three days a week can translate into significant earnings, particularly given that the hourly range for this profession in Hamilton stretches from $38.31 for entry-level positions to as much as $100.75 for top earners. These positions can be found across various settings, including private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and outpatient clinics, making it a versatile career choice with opportunities for flexible working arrangements.
About the Hamilton 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) | $38.31 | $306.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.45 | $411.59 |
| Median (P50) | $66.05 | $528.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78.12 | $624.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100.75 | $805.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hamilton
Based on $66.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.05/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hamilton, OH can expect to earn approximately $137,382 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,259. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hamilton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hamilton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,641.95 | $11,448 | $137,382 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,585.17 | $6,869 | $82,429 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,056.78 | $4,579 | $54,953 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Hamilton) | $66.05 |
| 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 Hamilton, OH earn a median of $137,374 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.30% lower than the national median of $140,612.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.05/hr = $82,429/year (purchasing power: $90,881).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $137,382/year (purchasing power: $151,468).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$54.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Hamilton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Hamilton grew 18.5% from $54.14/hr (2019) to $64.15/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.00/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 Hamilton 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 Hamilton
Looking at the landscape of part-time and per-diem work, the financial implications can be substantial. An optometrist working part-time at 24 hours a week may take home an income significantly lower than their full-time counterparts, but still competitive within their clinical settings. Per diem optometrists in Hamilton often secure daily rates between $500 and $800 at retail chains, while those stepping into OD/MD practices can command $700 to $1,200 a day. Furthermore, residency-trained ocular disease specialists may find positions that offer $90 to $130 per hour. Employer types also play a crucial role in determining hourly pay; for instance, those in private practices may find lower rates but receive health benefits, whereas retail chains could offer higher hourly wages but fewer perks. Negotiating hourly rates can be more nuanced in Hamilton due to these variances and will require an understanding of individual circumstances and market demand.
More salary data for Hamilton, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Hamilton in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Hamilton?
Are optometrists in Hamilton paid hourly or salary?
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Related Pages
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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 Hamilton. 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 Hamilton 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