Optometrist Hourly Pay in Burbank, CA: $66.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Burbank, CA runs $66.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $137,616 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Burbank'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 Burbank, California, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to be $66.16 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $67.60. This rate provides a competitive advantage for those considering part-time positions or per-diem opportunities, especially in various settings such as private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and university clinics. Entry-level optometrists may start at $38.37 per hour, while more experienced professionals can earn up to $98.73 per hour. This range reflects the diverse job environments in Burbank, offering flexibility for both those looking to work part-time—perhaps three days a week—or those pursuing per-diem work that allows for a varied schedule and the possibility of higher daily earnings.
About the Burbank 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) | $50.95 | $407.64 |
| Median (P50) | $66.16 | $529.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80.38 | $643.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98.73 | $789.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Burbank
Based on $66.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.16/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Burbank, 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 Burbank.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Burbank
| 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 (Burbank) | $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 Burbank, CA earn a median of $137,616 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.13% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.20% below the California state average of $139,288.
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 Burbank (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 Burbank 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 Burbank 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 Burbank
Beyond the numbers, part-time optometrists working 24 hours a week could earn significantly different annual totals compared to their full-time counterparts, reflecting the evolving landscape of optometry practice. For per-diem optometrists in Burbank, billing rates vary substantially depending on the employer; while many retail chains might offer $500 to $800 a day, private OD/MD practices can see fills higher at $700 to $1,200 daily. However, with such roles, there’s a fine balance between earning potential and benefits. Optometrists may opt for lower hourly rates in return for comprehensive health insurance and retirement contributions. Negotiating strategies could include showcasing unique skills, especially if residency-trained, to justify higher hourly rates. With the landscape shifting toward expanding scopes of practice, including the treatment of glaucoma and minor surgical procedures, Burbank optometrists are well-positioned to leverage these competencies to enhance their earning potential.
More salary data for Burbank, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Burbank in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Burbank?
Are optometrists in Burbank paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Burbank?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Burbank?
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 Burbank. 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 Burbank 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