Optometrist Hourly Pay in Providence, RI: $69.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Providence, RI runs $69.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $144,051 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Providence's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.8, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $68.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $86,425 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Optometrists in Providence, Rhode Island, can expect a median hourly pay of $69.25, which is slightly above the national average of $67.60. This translates to a diverse earning potential for both full-time and part-time practitioners. For those in part-time positions, typically working three days a week, the hourly pay allows for a decent income, especially when considering typical roles in private exam rooms, retail optical chains, or VA outpatient clinics. The hourly range spans from $38.22 for entry-level positions to $106.74 for top earners, reflecting the varied skill sets and specialties within the field. This data comes from official Bureau of Labor Statistics projections for 2026, which gives a clearer picture of the profession's trajectory in Rhode Island.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.22 | $305.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60.56 | $484.49 |
| Median (P50) | $69.25 | $554.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84.90 | $679.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106.74 | $853.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Providence
Based on $69.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $69.25/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Providence, RI can expect to earn approximately $144,042 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $83,101. With a cost-of-living index of 101.77 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Providence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Providence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,770.04 | $12,003 | $144,042 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,662.02 | $7,202 | $86,425 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,108.01 | $4,801 | $57,617 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Providence) | $69.25 |
| 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 Providence, RI earn a median of $144,051 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.45% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.90% above the Rhode Island state average of $141,365.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $69.25/hr = $86,425/year (purchasing power: $84,919).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $144,042/year (purchasing power: $141,532).
CoL index: 101.773 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$48.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$67.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$69.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+45.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Providence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $50.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $67.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $67.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Providence grew 37.6% from $48.88/hr (2019) to $67.26/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $71.30/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 Providence 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 Providence
For a part-time optometrist working a 24-hour week in Providence, the annual income can be significant without the full time commitment of a typical 40-hour schedule. Depending on the work environment, such as retail chains or ophthalmology practices, per diem options present even greater flexibility. Per diem optometrists in Providence, billing typically between $500 to $800 a day in retail settings, can enjoy a lucrative income while maintaining a schedule that accommodates other professional pursuits or personal interests. However, there’s a trade-off; while some optometrists may receive lower hourly compensation for positions with benefits, others might opt for higher hourly rates without them. Negotiating these terms effectively is key in a competitive job market, particularly in a city like Providence, where opportunities are influenced by evolving trends in optometry such as expanded scopes of practice and industry consolidation.
More salary data for Providence, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Providence in 2026?
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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 Providence. 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, 5-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