Optometrist Hourly Pay in Portsmouth, VA: $67.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Portsmouth, VA runs $67.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $140,414 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Portsmouth's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $65.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,254 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Portsmouth, Virginia, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to be $67.51 in 2026, slightly lower than the national hourly median of $67.60. This compensation reflects the pay structure in various environments, including private optometry offices, retail optical chains, and VA outpatient clinics. Optometrists working part-time, such as those putting in 24 hours per week (about three days), can expect a significant annual income based on an hourly rate, which allows for flexibility in scheduling. Entry-level positions start at approximately $39.16, while experienced optometrists can earn up to $98.47 per hour. These hourly estimates derive from annual salary data, painting a clear picture of the potential earnings for optometrists in the Portsmouth area.
About the Portsmouth Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.16 | $313.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.95 | $431.61 |
| Median (P50) | $67.51 | $540.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81.19 | $649.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98.47 | $787.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Portsmouth
Based on $67.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.51/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Portsmouth, VA can expect to earn approximately $140,423 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,013. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Portsmouth.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Portsmouth
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,700.43 | $11,702 | $140,423 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,620.26 | $7,021 | $84,254 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,080.17 | $4,681 | $56,169 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Portsmouth) | $67.51 |
| 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 Portsmouth, VA earn a median of $140,414 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.14% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.20% below the Virginia state average of $145,056.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.51/hr = $84,254/year (purchasing power: $81,641).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $140,423/year (purchasing power: $136,068).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$55.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Portsmouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Portsmouth grew 18.5% from $55.33/hr (2019) to $65.57/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.51/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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth
Part-time optometrists working three days a week may bring home about $83,556 annually, which offers a substantial income compared to many other professions, but still is a notable drop from full-time earnings. Per diem or locum tenens optometrists often enjoy even greater pay flexibility, with rates ranging from $500 to $1,200 a day, depending on the practice setting. Different employer types in Portsmouth influence pay variances; for instance, private optometry practices may pay differently than retail chains or VA hospitals. Health benefits often play a role in compensation; some optometrists accept lower hourly rates in exchange for comprehensive health plans. When negotiating hourly pay, it's advantageous to emphasize your experience and the growing scope of practice in optometry, such as the management of glaucoma and the expansion into oral medications, which align with modern job demands in the field.
More salary data for Portsmouth, VA:
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 Portsmouth. 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 Portsmouth 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