Optometrist Hourly Pay in El Cajon, CA: $66.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in El Cajon, CA runs $66.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $138,607 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against El Cajon's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $58.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $83,161 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In El Cajon, the optometrist hourly pay stands at a median of $66.64, which is slightly lower than the national median of $67.60. This rate is particularly relevant for optometrists working in various settings, including private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains, and medical practices. For those opting for part-time work, such as a three-day workweek, this translates to an annual income reflective of fewer hours but still offers a competitive hourly rate starting at $38.65 for entry-level practitioners, scaling up to $100.39 for those at the higher end of the pay scale. Understanding these figures is crucial for optometrists in El Cajon as they navigate their career options and consider per-diem opportunities that might fit their personal circumstances.
About the El Cajon 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) | $38.65 | $309.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.88 | $415.05 |
| Median (P50) | $66.64 | $533.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81.52 | $652.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100.39 | $803.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in El Cajon
Based on $66.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.64/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in El Cajon, CA can expect to earn approximately $138,602 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,963. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in El Cajon.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in El Cajon
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,665.43 | $11,550 | $138,602 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,599.26 | $6,930 | $83,161 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,066.17 | $4,620 | $55,441 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (El Cajon) | $66.64 |
| 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 El Cajon, CA earn a median of $138,607 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.43% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.50% below the California state average of $139,303.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.64/hr = $83,161/year (purchasing power: $73,529).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $138,602/year (purchasing power: $122,548).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$54.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in El Cajon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.94/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $86.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in El Cajon grew 18.5% from $54.62/hr (2019) to $64.72/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.61/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 El Cajon 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 El Cajon
Evaluating the earning potential of a part-time optometrist in El Cajon reveals a noticeable difference in take-home pay compared to full-time colleagues. A practitioner working three days a week (24 hours) at the median rate could bring home approximately $83,000 annually, a figure that reflects their reduced hours but still allows for a robust professional income. Per diem optometrists, meanwhile, may find agency or fill-in positions lucrative; daily rates typically range from $500 to $1,200 depending upon the setting and demand, translating to attractive per-diem optometrist pay in El Cajon. Various employer types influence these hourly wages: private practices may offer benefits at lower rates, while retail chains commonly provide higher hourly compensation without healthcare. For those negotiating their hourly pay, emphasizing skills acquired through residency training or specialized practices can be beneficial, particularly as the scope of practice in optometry expands beyond traditional roles.
More salary data for El Cajon, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in El Cajon in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in El Cajon?
Are optometrists in El Cajon paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in El Cajon?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in El Cajon?
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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 El Cajon. 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 El Cajon 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