Optometrist Hourly Pay in Folsom, CA: $69.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Folsom, CA runs $69.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $144,103 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Folsom's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $61.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $86,464 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Folsom, California, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $69.28 in 2026, slightly surpassing the national median of $67.60. This competitive hourly rate offers attractive earning opportunities for both full-time professionals and those pursuing part-time or per-diem positions. For instance, working as a part-time optometrist three days a week could yield approximately $53,187 annually, enabling flexibility while still providing substantial income. Entry-level optometrists in the area can expect to start around $40.19 per hour, while more experienced clinicians can earn up to $100.95 per hour, reflecting the varying demands of working in traditional optometry practices, retail optical chains, or specialized clinics. These estimates, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, highlight the potential for lucrative earnings driven by location and practice type.
About the Folsom 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) | $40.19 | $321.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.65 | $429.22 |
| Median (P50) | $69.28 | $554.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.10 | $664.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100.95 | $807.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Folsom
Based on $69.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $69.28/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Folsom, CA can expect to earn approximately $144,106 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $83,138. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Folsom.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Folsom
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,771.27 | $12,009 | $144,106 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,662.76 | $7,205 | $86,464 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,108.51 | $4,804 | $57,642 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Folsom) | $69.28 |
| 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 Folsom, CA earn a median of $144,103 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.48% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 3.40% above the California state average of $139,364.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $69.28/hr = $86,464/year (purchasing power: $76,449).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $144,106/year (purchasing power: $127,415).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$56.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$67.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$69.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Folsom (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $86.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $67.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Folsom grew 18.5% from $56.79/hr (2019) to $67.29/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $71.33/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 Folsom 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 Folsom
The earning potential for part-time optometrists in Folsom is compelling, especially given the flexibility of schedules that often align with personal lifestyles. Those working just three days a week could see annual earnings significantly lower than full-time counterparts. In contrast, per diem optometrists typically bill anywhere from $500 to $800 daily at retail chains, or $700 to $1,200 in OD/MD practices, which presents a lucrative alternative for those seeking varied work environments. Hourly rates can fluctuate based on employer types, with private practices, retail optical chains, and VA medical centers all offering different compensation structures. While some optometrists may accept lower hourly rates at certain facilities for benefits like health insurance, others may prefer higher pay without additional perks. Negotiating tips tailored to Folsom's market can help optometrists maximize their earnings, emphasizing the importance of researching employer compensation packages and understanding the value of skills and credentials, especially for those residency-trained or working within expanded scopes of practice.
More salary data for Folsom, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Folsom in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Folsom?
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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 Folsom. 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 Folsom 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