Optometrist Hourly Pay in West Chester, PA: $62.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in West Chester, PA runs $62.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $129,386 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against West Chester's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $63.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,636 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In West Chester, Pennsylvania, the optometrist hourly pay stands at a median of $62.21, which is somewhat lower than the national median of $67.60. This hourly rate presents a viable option for those considering part-time or per-diem work, as it allows for flexible schedules in various settings including private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and VA outpatient clinics. For professionals working three days a week, the median hourly rate offers a reasonable income, while entry-level optometrists might start around $38.67 per hour, with top earners reaching up to $87.46. It's important for practitioners in West Chester to understand that these figures are derived from annual salary estimates and reflect a competitive hourly range within the state.
About the West Chester 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) | $38.67 | $309.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.71 | $421.64 |
| Median (P50) | $62.21 | $497.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73.88 | $591.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87.46 | $699.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Chester
Based on $62.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.21/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Chester, PA can expect to earn approximately $129,394 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,650. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in West Chester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Chester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,488.34 | $10,783 | $129,394 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,493.00 | $6,470 | $77,636 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $995.33 | $4,313 | $51,757 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (West Chester) | $62.21 |
| 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 West Chester, PA earn a median of $129,386 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.98% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 6.40% below the Pennsylvania state average of $138,233.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.21/hr = $77,636/year (purchasing power: $79,709).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $129,394/year (purchasing power: $132,848).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$50.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in West Chester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $54.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in West Chester grew 18.5% from $50.99/hr (2019) to $60.42/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.05/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 West Chester 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 West Chester
Examining the earning potential for part-time optometrists in West Chester reveals that working three days a week (24 hours) could yield around $77,657 annually, a respectable income that allows for work-life balance compared to full-time commitments. For those in per-diem roles or locum tenens positions, the daily earnings can vary widely; fill-in optometrists at retail locations might charge between $500-$800 per day, while their counterparts in specialized practices can command rates from $700 to $1,200 daily. Hourly rates can differ significantly based on the employment setting — for instance, private practices and retail chains may offer varying packages that include benefits, leading some optometrists to negotiate for higher hourly pay at the expense of health benefits. Understanding the local job market and leveraging negotiation strategies can help optometrists maximize their hourly pay in West Chester, PA.
More salary data for West Chester, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in West Chester in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in West Chester?
Are optometrists in West Chester paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in West Chester?
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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 West Chester. 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 West Chester 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