Optometrist Hourly Pay in Hazleton, PA: $64.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Hazleton, PA runs $64.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $134,116 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Hazleton's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,476 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hazleton, Pennsylvania, the **optometrist hourly pay** stands at $64.48, reflecting a slight decrease compared to the national average hourly rate of $67.60. This rate positions optometrists in Hazleton competitively, especially for those working part-time or in per-diem roles. For instance, a part-time optometrist working three days a week could expect to earn around $49,000 annually, a viable income for those balancing other responsibilities. The hourly range for this profession varies widely, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $37.40, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $94.32 per hour. This variability underscores the potential for optometrists to negotiate wages based on their experience level and the type of employer, from private practices to retail chains and specialized clinics.
About the Hazleton Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.40 | $299.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.14 | $433.09 |
| Median (P50) | $64.48 | $515.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78.12 | $624.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94.32 | $754.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hazleton
Based on $64.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.48/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hazleton, PA can expect to earn approximately $134,126 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,381. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hazleton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hazleton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,579.35 | $11,177 | $134,126 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,547.61 | $6,706 | $80,476 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,031.74 | $4,471 | $53,651 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Hazleton) | $64.48 |
| 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 Hazleton, PA earn a median of $134,116 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.62% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.00% below the Pennsylvania state average of $138,264.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.48/hr = $80,476/year (purchasing power: $82,624).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $134,126/year (purchasing power: $137,707).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Hazleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.47/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $61.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Hazleton grew 18.5% from $52.85/hr (2019) to $62.63/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.39/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 Hazleton 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 Hazleton
Beyond standard employment, part-time and per diem roles reveal a different financial landscape for optometrists in Hazleton. Those taking on per diem positions often generate impressive daily earnings, with rates ranging from $500 to $1,200, depending on the setting. For example, optometrists filling in at retail chains can typically expect around $500-$800 per day, while those in more specialized settings, such as hospital systems, might command higher rates. When considering employer types, the pay can fluctuate significantly; private practices may offer lower hourly rates with benefits, while retail chains tend to provide less favorable compensation but may appeal due to the flexibility. Negotiating terms is crucial for optometrists in the area, especially when determining whether to prioritize higher hourly pay or benefits such as health insurance. Keeping abreast of local trends and understanding one's worth in the marketplace can significantly impact earning potential in the competitive field of optometry in Hazleton.
More salary data for Hazleton, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Hazleton. 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 Hazleton 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