Optometrist Hourly Pay in Baldwin Park, CA: $65.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Baldwin Park, CA runs $65.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $135,852 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Baldwin Park's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $57.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,517 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Baldwin Park, California, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to be $65.32 in 2026, slightly lower than the national hourly median of $67.60. This rate reflects the earning potential for different employment setups, including part-time roles, where optometrists may work as little as three days a week or seek per-diem opportunities. In typical environments like private optometry offices, retail optical chains, and university clinics, the hourly compensation spans a range from $37.88 at the entry-level to $96.29 for top earners. Such figures suggest a variety of earning possibilities depending on experience, employer type, and hours worked, with rates informed by annual salary data.
About the Baldwin Park 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) | $37.88 | $303.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.35 | $410.77 |
| Median (P50) | $65.32 | $522.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79.17 | $633.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96.29 | $770.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Baldwin Park
Based on $65.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.32/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Baldwin Park, CA can expect to earn approximately $135,861 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,381. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Baldwin Park.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Baldwin Park
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,612.71 | $11,322 | $135,861 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,567.63 | $6,793 | $81,517 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,045.09 | $4,529 | $54,344 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Baldwin Park) | $65.32 |
| 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 Baldwin Park, CA earn a median of $135,852 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.39% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.50% below the California state average of $139,335.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.32/hr = $81,517/year (purchasing power: $72,075).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $135,861/year (purchasing power: $120,125).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$53.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Baldwin Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $84.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Baldwin Park grew 18.5% from $53.54/hr (2019) to $63.44/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.25/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 Baldwin Park 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 Baldwin Park
For those choosing to work part-time, the financial implications can be significant. An optometrist working three days a week might earn around $100,000 annually, while full-time colleagues benefit from a higher total compensation. Per-diem positions, often filled by optometrists working on a temporary basis at retail chains and medical facilities, typically command daily rates ranging from $500 to $1,200. This flexibility attracts many to consider per diem optometrist pay in Baldwin Park, especially as each employment model provides trade-offs between hourly rate and benefits like health insurance. With several employment settings, from private practices to optical chains, the variation in pay can reflect different expectations around workload and benefit provisions. Understanding these dynamics is essential for negotiating favorable compensation tailored to individual career goals in the optometry field.
More salary data for Baldwin Park, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Baldwin Park in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Baldwin Park?
Are optometrists in Baldwin Park paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Baldwin Park?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Baldwin Park?
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 Baldwin Park. 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 Baldwin Park 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