Optometrist Hourly Pay in Compton, CA: $66.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Compton, CA runs $66.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $138,003 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Compton's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $58.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,802 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Compton, California, the optometrist hourly pay in 2026 is projected to reach $66.35, slightly under the national median of $67.60. This hourly rate means that part-time optometrists working in settings like private exam rooms, retail chains, and hospital outpatient clinics can earn substantial pay, especially given the flexibility of working only three days a week. With the hourly earnings ranging from $38.49 for entry-level positions to as much as $95.67 for the top earners, the potential for income varies significantly depending on experience and employment type. It’s important to note that these hourly rates are derived from projected annual salary data, reflecting the robust demand for optometrists in the area.
About the Compton 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) | $38.49 | $307.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.86 | $438.86 |
| Median (P50) | $66.35 | $530.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79.14 | $633.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95.67 | $765.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Compton
Based on $66.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.35/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Compton, CA can expect to earn approximately $138,003 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,617. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Compton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Compton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,653.90 | $11,500 | $138,003 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,592.34 | $6,900 | $82,802 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,061.56 | $4,600 | $55,201 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Compton) | $66.35 |
| 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 Compton, CA earn a median of $138,003 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.86% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.00% below the California state average of $139,397.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.35/hr = $82,802/year (purchasing power: $73,211).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $138,003/year (purchasing power: $122,018).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$54.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Compton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $86.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Compton grew 18.5% from $54.38/hr (2019) to $64.44/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.31/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 Compton 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 Compton
For part-time optometrists in Compton working 24 hours a week, annual earnings could reach around $82,150, notably less than their full-time counterparts but still competitive. Per diem work is a common reality in this field; those in retail chains can bill between $500 and $800 per day, while fill-in roles in OD/MD practices often range from $700 to $1,200 per day. Interestingly, residency-trained ocular disease optometrists can command $90 to $130 per hour in hospital systems. Hourly rates also vary depending on the employer; retail optical chains may offer lower compensation but provide benefits, while private practices might pay more but offer fewer perks. When negotiating offers, optometrists in Compton should be mindful of the trade-offs between hourly rates and health insurance benefits, ensuring their compensation aligns with their professional goals and lifestyle preferences.
More salary data for Compton, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Compton in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Compton?
Are optometrists in Compton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Compton?
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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 Compton. 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 Compton 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