Optometrist Hourly Pay in Antioch, CA: $66.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Antioch, CA runs $66.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $137,628 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Antioch's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $58.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,570 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Antioch, California, the optometrist hourly pay stands at $66.16, which is slightly lower than the national median of $67.60. This hourly rate provides a solid basis for both part-time and per-diem employment opportunities within the profession. An optometrist working just three days a week could still earn a competitive income, especially in various settings like private optometry offices, retail optical chains, and veterans’ clinics. The hourly range for optometrists in Antioch spans from $38.37 for entry-level positions to $101.03 for those at the top of their field, clearly illustrating the potential for significant earnings depending on experience and location within the market. The figures used are drawn from annual salary projections, giving a practical view on compensation for those looking to enter or advance in the field.
About the Antioch Market
Salary estimated from California average ($160,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.37 | $306.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.41 | $419.25 |
| Median (P50) | $66.16 | $529.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81.90 | $655.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101.03 | $808.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Antioch
Based on $66.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.16/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Antioch, CA can expect to earn approximately $137,617 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,395. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Antioch.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Antioch
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,646.48 | $11,468 | $137,617 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,587.89 | $6,881 | $82,570 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,058.59 | $4,587 | $55,047 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Antioch) | $66.16 |
| 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 Antioch, CA earn a median of $137,628 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.12% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.20% below the California state average of $139,299.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.16/hr = $82,570/year (purchasing power: $73,006).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $137,617/year (purchasing power: $121,677).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$54.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Antioch (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $85.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Antioch grew 18.5% from $54.23/hr (2019) to $64.26/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.12/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 Antioch 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 Antioch
Part-time optometrists in Antioch, working a typical schedule of 24 hours per week, can bring home a substantial income that positions them favorably in comparison to full-time professionals. Per-diem optometrists, frequently utilized in retail chains or specialized practices, often earn between $500 to $800 for a single day of work, leading to a lucrative income that can surpass traditional hourly wages with flexible scheduling. However, the variation in hourly rates can be influenced by employment setting; for instance, private practices might offer less than larger retail chains while providing benefits that some practitioners find essential. Negotiating salary in Antioch, particularly for those focusing on per-diem roles, requires understanding regional employment trends and knowing the value of additional benefits like health insurance versus higher pay without those perks. Those familiar with AOA guidelines and who have completed residency training can often command higher rates, especially in specialized fields like ocular disease management.
More salary data for Antioch, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Antioch in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Antioch?
Are optometrists in Antioch paid hourly or salary?
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Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Antioch?
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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 Antioch. 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 Antioch 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