Optometrist Hourly Pay in Glendale, CA: $67.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Glendale, CA runs $67.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $140,183 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Glendale's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $59.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,112 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the optometrist hourly pay in Glendale, California is projected to reach a median of $67.40, which is slightly below the national median of $67.60. This hourly rate presents a solid earning opportunity for part-time optometrists working three days a week, allowing them to balance other commitments while still enjoying a lucrative income. For those considering per-diem opportunities, typical settings include private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chain locations, and VA outpatient clinics, where hourly pay reflects the variations in experience and practice settings. With an hourly range that spans from $39.09 at the entry level to around $103.07 for top earners, the earning potential varies widely depending on specialization and employment type within the Glendale area.
About the Glendale 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) | $39.09 | $312.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.83 | $438.61 |
| Median (P50) | $67.40 | $539.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.37 | $666.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103.07 | $824.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Glendale
Based on $67.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.40/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Glendale, CA can expect to earn approximately $140,187 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,877. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Glendale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Glendale
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,695.90 | $11,682 | $140,187 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,617.54 | $7,009 | $84,112 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,078.36 | $4,673 | $56,075 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Glendale) | $67.40 |
| 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 Glendale, CA earn a median of $140,183 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.31% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.60% above the California state average of $139,347.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.40/hr = $84,112/year (purchasing power: $74,370).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $140,187/year (purchasing power: $123,950).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$55.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Glendale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $87.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Glendale grew 18.5% from $55.24/hr (2019) to $65.46/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.39/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 Glendale 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 Glendale
Exploring the earning potential for a part-time optometrist working 24 hours per week, this professional could see an annual income significantly lower than full-time counterparts, yet still capable of substantial returns depending on the chosen practice and hours worked. For instance, per diem optometrists in Glendale often report day rates ranging from $500 to $800 at retail chains, or $700 to $1,200 when working with ophthalmology practices. Residency-trained optometrists may command higher hourly rates, making them attractive candidates for hospital systems, often billing $90 to $130 hourly. These discrepancies highlight how optometrists must navigate their choices carefully, weighing the benefits of consistent employment with health insurance against the flexibility and potentially higher pay of per diem roles. Negotiation skills can play a pivotal role in optimal pay settings, especially at this stage where many positions are influenced by the burgeoning demand for extended optometric services in California.
More salary data for Glendale, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Glendale in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Glendale?
Are optometrists in Glendale paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Glendale?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Glendale?
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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 Glendale. 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 Glendale 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