Optometrist Hourly Pay in Cranston, RI: $66.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Cranston, RI runs $66.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $138,229 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Cranston's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $66.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,943 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cranston, Rhode Island, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to be $66.46 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $67.60. This compensation level opens various financial avenues for part-time or per-diem workers, particularly those seeking to work three days a week in settings such as private optometry practices, retail optical chains, or hospitals. Under this hourly framework, entry-level optometrists can expect to earn around $38.55, while experienced practitioners command rates upwards of $100.82, allowing significant variation depending on experience and employer type. These estimates are derived from annual salary figures, meaning hourly earnings reflect the underlying economic conditions that shape the optometry field in Rhode Island.
About the Cranston 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) | $38.55 | $308.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.96 | $431.69 |
| Median (P50) | $66.46 | $531.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82.31 | $658.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100.82 | $806.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cranston
Based on $66.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.46/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cranston, RI can expect to earn approximately $138,238 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,753. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Cranston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cranston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,658.43 | $11,520 | $138,238 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,595.06 | $6,912 | $82,943 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,063.37 | $4,608 | $55,295 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Cranston) | $66.46 |
| 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 Cranston, RI earn a median of $138,229 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.69% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.20% below the Rhode Island state average of $141,338.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.46/hr = $82,943/year (purchasing power: $82,530).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $138,238/year (purchasing power: $137,550).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$54.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Cranston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $65.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Cranston grew 18.5% from $54.47/hr (2019) to $64.55/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.43/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 Cranston 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 Cranston
Considering the part-time earning potential, an optometrist working 24 hours a week would yield a notable, albeit smaller, annual income compared to those in full-time roles. Per diem optometrists in Cranston can potentially earn between $500 to $1,200 for fill-in work, with higher rates often seen in specialized environments such as OD/MD practices or hospital systems. Specifically, residency-trained ocular disease optometrists can charge rates ranging from $90 to $130 per hour as 1099 contractors. The variability in hourly pay across different employer types, including retail chains and private practices, reflects the balance between higher wages and the benefits available. Negotiation can play a critical role for these professionals in Cranston, particularly in weighing choices between positions that offer health insurance and those that present higher hourly rates without benefits.
More salary data for Cranston, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Cranston. 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 Cranston 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