Optometrist Hourly Pay in Middletown, OH: $65.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Middletown, OH runs $65.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $136,102 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Middletown's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $72.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,658 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Middletown, OH, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to reach $65.43 in 2026, which is slightly lower than the national hourly median of $67.60. This rate indicates a solid earning potential for optometrists in various practices, such as private optometry exam rooms and retail optical locations. For those considering part-time work, such as a three-day-week schedule typical for many professionals in the field, it's important to note that working around 24 hours a week could yield a yearly income that still reflects a respectable hourly rate. The pay range for optometrists in the area suggests entry-level positions might start around $37.95, while experienced professionals could earn up to $94.39 hourly, thus providing opportunities across different settings from VA outpatient clinics to university teaching contexts.
About the Middletown 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) | $37.95 | $303.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.65 | $421.23 |
| Median (P50) | $65.43 | $523.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78.47 | $627.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94.39 | $755.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Middletown
Based on $65.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.43/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Middletown, OH can expect to earn approximately $136,097 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,517. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Middletown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Middletown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,617.24 | $11,341 | $136,097 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,570.35 | $6,805 | $81,658 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,046.90 | $4,537 | $54,439 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Middletown) | $65.43 |
| 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 Middletown, OH earn a median of $136,102 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.21% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.90% below the Ohio state average of $137,338.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.43/hr = $81,658/year (purchasing power: $90,031).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $136,097/year (purchasing power: $150,051).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Middletown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.84/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Middletown grew 18.5% from $53.63/hr (2019) to $63.55/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.37/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 Middletown 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 Middletown
Understanding the economic context in which optometrists operate can shed light on potential earning variations. For instance, a part-time optometrist working three days a week might take home significantly less annually than their full-time counterparts, potentially resulting in around $84,000 versus $136,102. Many optometrists seek per diem opportunities, where they can earn between $500 to $800 per day in retail settings, while fills in OD/MD practices might reach $700 to $1,200 per day. Additionally, residency-trained optometrists in specialized roles within hospital systems can command impressive hourly rates of $90 to $130. Different employer types contribute to these possibilities; for example, those at retail optical chains or VA medical centers often exchange higher hourly pay for benefits like health insurance. Negotiation can play a key role in securing an ideal balance between hourly pay and job benefits, so optometrists in Middletown should consider their long-term career goals when making employment decisions.
More salary data for Middletown, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Middletown in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Middletown?
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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 Middletown. 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 Middletown 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