Optometrist Hourly Pay in Costa Mesa, CA: $67.30 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Costa Mesa, CA runs $67.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $140,003 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Costa Mesa's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $59.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $83,997 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Costa Mesa, the optometrist hourly pay stands at $67.30, slightly below the national median of $67.60. This competitive rate can be attractive for those considering part-time work in various settings such as private optometry offices, retail optical chains, and outpatient clinics. For example, professionals working three days a week could expect to earn substantial wages while enjoying a flexible schedule. Entry-level optometrists might start at around $39.04, with experienced individuals earning as much as $102.76 per hour, indicating a diverse earning landscape within the profession. It’s important to note that these hourly figures are projected based on 2025 BLS data, translating annual estimates into easily digestible hourly rates for potential colleagues.
About the Costa Mesa 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) | $39.04 | $312.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.20 | $425.60 |
| Median (P50) | $67.30 | $538.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.16 | $665.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102.76 | $822.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Costa Mesa
Based on $67.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.30/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Costa Mesa, CA can expect to earn approximately $139,994 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,766. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Costa Mesa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Costa Mesa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,692.20 | $11,666 | $139,994 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,615.32 | $7,000 | $83,997 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,076.88 | $4,666 | $55,998 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Costa Mesa) | $67.30 |
| 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 Costa Mesa, CA earn a median of $140,003 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.43% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.50% above the California state average of $139,306.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.30/hr = $83,997/year (purchasing power: $74,268).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $139,994/year (purchasing power: $123,779).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$55.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.30/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Costa Mesa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $87.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.30/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Costa Mesa grew 18.5% from $55.17/hr (2019) to $65.37/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.30/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 Costa Mesa 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 Costa Mesa
Considering part-time opportunities can significantly affect an optometrist's annual earnings. Working just 24 hours across three days a week, a part-time optometrist could realistically take home around $83,904 annually, allowing for a solid income while maintaining work-life balance. Conversely, per-diem optometrists—especially those covering retail chains—often find themselves earning between $500 and $800 per day. In more specialized settings or when acting as fill-ins for ODs and MDs, they can earn between $700 and $1,200 for the day; those with residency training in ocular diseases may command rates as high as $90 to $130 per hour. Across different employer types, such as private practices versus larger retail chains, hourly rates can vary significantly, reflecting not only the type of practice but also benefits packages. While some optometrists may choose roles with lower hourly pay in exchange for health insurance and stability, others may prioritize higher hourly rates without benefits. Negotiating effectively for hourly compensation in Costa Mesa requires an understanding of the local market dynamics and the specific benefits desired.
More salary data for Costa Mesa, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Costa Mesa in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Costa Mesa?
Are optometrists in Costa Mesa paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Costa Mesa?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Costa Mesa?
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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 Costa Mesa. 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 Costa Mesa 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