Optometrist Hourly Pay in Coventry, RI: $66.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Coventry, RI runs $66.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $139,044 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Coventry's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $66.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $83,431 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Optometrists in Coventry, Rhode Island earn a median hourly rate of $66.85, placing them slightly below the national median of $67.60. This hourly compensation reflects what professionals in the field can expect when working in diverse settings, such as private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chain locations, and VA outpatient clinics. For those considering part-time opportunities, working three days a week could yield a substantial income that supports a comfortable lifestyle. The hourly rate varies widely, ranging from $38.77 for entry-level positions to $95.47 for those with considerable experience or specialized skills, such as residency-trained optometrists.
About the Coventry Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.77 | $310.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.18 | $425.43 |
| Median (P50) | $66.85 | $534.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79.58 | $636.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95.47 | $763.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Coventry
Based on $66.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.85/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Coventry, RI can expect to earn approximately $139,052 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,222. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Coventry.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Coventry
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,674.08 | $11,588 | $139,052 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,604.45 | $6,953 | $83,431 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,069.63 | $4,635 | $55,621 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Coventry) | $66.85 |
| 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 Coventry, RI earn a median of $139,044 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.12% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.60% below the Rhode Island state average of $141,305.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.85/hr = $83,431/year (purchasing power: $83,016).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $139,052/year (purchasing power: $138,360).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$54.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.85/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Coventry (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $65.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Coventry grew 18.5% from $54.79/hr (2019) to $64.93/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.83/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 Coventry 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 Coventry
When evaluating potential earnings, part-time optometrists working a typical 24-hour week can anticipate a comfortable yearly income compared to their full-time counterparts. Per diem optometrists often seek flexible roles, billing anywhere from $500 to $1,200 per day depending on the setting, with those filling in at retail chains securing $500-$800 and those in OD/MD practices earning a higher daily rate. The variation in hourly pay is influenced by employer type; professionals in private practices or retail chains may earn less than those in hospitals or ocular specialty clinics. Optometrists face the decision of accepting lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, making it vital to assess the overall compensation package. Negotiating for better pay involves understanding local pay standards and communicating your unique qualifications influenced by factors like Georgia training and state-specific practices.
More salary data for Coventry, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Coventry in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Coventry?
Are optometrists in Coventry paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Coventry?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Coventry?
Related Pages
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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 Coventry. 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 Coventry 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