Optometrist Hourly Pay in Scranton, PA: $65.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Scranton, PA runs $65.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $136,947 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Scranton's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,172 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Scranton, Pennsylvania, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to be $65.84 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $67.60. This rate reflects the opportunities available for both full-time and part-time optometrists within various settings, including private practices, retail optical chains, and outpatient clinics. For optometrists working part-time, such as those on a three-day work week, the earnings can translate to a steady income, especially when considering the flexibility that comes with these positions. The hourly pay spans a range from $46.04 for entry-level positions to $86.18 for those at the top of their field, showcasing a significant potential for financial growth depending on skill level and experience.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46.04 | $368.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58.71 | $469.66 |
| Median (P50) | $65.84 | $526.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79.08 | $632.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86.18 | $689.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Scranton
Based on $65.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.84/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Scranton, PA can expect to earn approximately $136,953 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,012. With a cost-of-living index of 93.56 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Scranton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Scranton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,633.72 | $11,413 | $136,953 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,580.23 | $6,848 | $82,172 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,053.49 | $4,565 | $54,781 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Scranton) | $65.84 |
| 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 Scranton, PA earn a median of $136,947 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.61% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.90% below the Pennsylvania state average of $138,191.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.84/hr = $82,172/year (purchasing power: $87,832).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $136,953/year (purchasing power: $146,386).
CoL index: 93.556 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$64.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+4.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Scranton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $66.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Scranton grew -1.1% from $64.66/hr (2019) to $63.95/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.79/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 Scranton 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 Scranton
Optometrists in Scranton can explore various employment structures that influence their take-home earnings. A part-time optometrist working 24 hours a week would earn considerably less annually compared to a full-time peer. For those working on a per-diem basis, the financial landscape can be lucrative; fill-in optometrists at retail chains can bill between $500 and $800 per day, while those filling roles in OD/MD practices may command $700 to $1,200 daily. Variations in hourly rates can arise based on employer type—private practices, retail stores, and ophthalmology clinics each have different compensation standards. Some optometrists may accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, whereas those seeking higher pay without benefits often find opportunities in locum tenens positions. For negotiators in Scranton, understanding the local market dynamics can help pinpoint optimal compensation while balancing hours with personal and professional priorities.
More salary data for Scranton, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Scranton in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Scranton?
Are optometrists in Scranton paid hourly or salary?
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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 Scranton. 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