Optometrist Hourly Pay in Pittsburgh, PA: $64.30 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Pittsburgh, PA runs $64.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $133,745 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Pittsburgh's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.7, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $67.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,245 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Pittsburgh, the median optometrist hourly pay is projected to be $64.30 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $67.60. This rate is indicative of the region's employment settings, which include private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and hospital affiliated clinics. For part-time optometrists working three days a week, this translates to a substantial hourly income, making part-time roles appealing for professionals seeking flexibility. Entry-level optometrists may start at around $46.91 per hour, while more experienced optometrists well-versed in specialties can earn up to $81.50 per hour. Such data highlights the diverse earning potential within this profession and reflects a robust framework for optometrists looking to thrive in various work environments.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46.91 | $375.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58.21 | $465.71 |
| Median (P50) | $64.30 | $514.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79.10 | $632.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81.50 | $652.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pittsburgh
Based on $64.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.30/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pittsburgh, PA can expect to earn approximately $133,741 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,158. With a cost-of-living index of 94.67 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pittsburgh.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pittsburgh
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,571.94 | $11,145 | $133,741 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,543.16 | $6,687 | $80,245 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,028.78 | $4,458 | $53,496 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Pittsburgh) | $64.30 |
| 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 Pittsburgh, PA earn a median of $133,745 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.88% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.20% below the Pennsylvania state average of $138,166.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.30/hr = $80,245/year (purchasing power: $84,761).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $133,741/year (purchasing power: $141,269).
CoL index: 94.671 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$54.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.30/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Pittsburgh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $67.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.30/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Pittsburgh grew 13.7% from $54.94/hr (2019) to $62.45/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.20/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 Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh
Exploring part-time opportunities reveals an attractive earning potential for a 3-day workweek. An optometrist working 24 hours weekly can generate earnings significantly lower than their full-time counterparts, yet still secure a commendable income in Pittsburgh. Per diem arrangements for optometrists can be lucrative, as fill-in positions at retail chains often lead to daily pay rates between $500 and $800, while dedicated practices might offer $700 to $1,200 for day shifts. Optometrists specializing in ocular disease can command rates as high as $90 to $130 per hour in healthcare institutions. Variations in hourly rates across different employers, including private practices and military health systems, come into play, as benefits often trade-off with hourly pay. To maximize earning potential, particularly for those considering part-time or per diem optometrist pay in Pittsburgh, effective negotiation for contract terms and understanding market rates become critical.
More salary data for Pittsburgh, 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 Pittsburgh. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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