Optometrist Hourly Pay in Syracuse, UT: $64.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Syracuse, UT runs $64.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $134,044 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Syracuse's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $65.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,424 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Syracuse, UT, the optometrist hourly pay reflects a median of $64.44, which is slightly lower than the national median of $67.60. This pay rate provides a solid earning potential for part-time optometrists, especially those working three days a week. With a schedule of 24 hours weekly, a part-time optometrist can expect to make a significant income while achieving a desirable work-life balance. For per-diem workers in private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains, or university clinics, the earning range fluctuates widely. Entry-level optometrists may see pay starting around $37.37 per hour, while those reaching the higher end of experience can command up to $94.28 per hour, demonstrating the diverse opportunities available in different clinical settings across Syracuse.
About the Syracuse Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.37 | $299.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.78 | $422.22 |
| Median (P50) | $64.44 | $515.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78.27 | $626.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94.28 | $754.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Syracuse
Based on $64.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.44/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Syracuse, UT can expect to earn approximately $134,041 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,331. With a cost-of-living index of 98.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Syracuse.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Syracuse
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,577.71 | $11,170 | $134,041 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,546.62 | $6,702 | $80,424 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,031.08 | $4,468 | $53,616 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Syracuse) | $64.44 |
| 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 Syracuse, UT earn a median of $134,044 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.67% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.80% below the Utah state average of $137,905.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.44/hr = $80,424/year (purchasing power: $81,982).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $134,041/year (purchasing power: $136,637).
CoL index: 98.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.59/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Syracuse (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $58.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.59/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Syracuse grew 18.5% from $52.82/hr (2019) to $62.59/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.35/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 Syracuse 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 Syracuse
Examining the earning potential for optometrists in Syracuse reveals distinct advantages for both full-time and part-time practitioners. For example, a part-time optometrist working 24 hours a week could generate nearly $82,000 annually, while a full-time position could yield around $134,044, presenting a notable difference in yearly income. The per diem structure offers additional flexibility; locum tenens optometrists often charge between $500 and $1,200 per day, depending on the setting and area of specialty. Hourly rates can vary significantly as well; retail optical chains may offer less than independent practices, but the trade-off often includes benefits like health insurance with the latter. Optometrists should also consider practical negotiation tactics specific to settings in Syracuse, being aware of the nuances in pay scales. Balancing higher hourly wages against benefits is crucial to finding a compensation package that aligns with personal and professional goals in this evolving field.
More salary data for Syracuse, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Syracuse. 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 Syracuse 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