Optometrist Hourly Pay in Laguna Niguel, CA: $65.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Laguna Niguel, CA runs $65.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $135,288 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Laguna Niguel's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $57.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,170 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Laguna Niguel, the optometrist hourly pay stands at a median rate of $65.04, which falls slightly below the national median of $67.60 per hour. This figure signifies a solid earning potential for part-time and per-diem optometrists who typically work in various environments: private optometry offices, retail optical chains, and clinics associated with universities or veteran services. For those pursuing part-time roles, working three days a week can yield substantial income while allowing for flexibility in their schedules. The hourly pay rate ranges from $37.72 for entry-level positions to a substantial $97.89 for the most experienced optometrists in the area, reflecting a diverse spectrum of opportunities that cater to both new graduates and seasoned practitioners.
About the Laguna Niguel 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) | $37.72 | $301.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.24 | $417.94 |
| Median (P50) | $65.04 | $520.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79.89 | $639.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97.89 | $783.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Laguna Niguel
Based on $65.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.04/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Laguna Niguel, CA can expect to earn approximately $135,283 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,048. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Laguna Niguel.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Laguna Niguel
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,601.59 | $11,274 | $135,283 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,560.96 | $6,764 | $81,170 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,040.64 | $4,509 | $54,113 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Laguna Niguel) | $65.04 |
| 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 Laguna Niguel, CA earn a median of $135,288 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.79% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.90% below the California state average of $139,329.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.04/hr = $81,170/year (purchasing power: $71,768).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $135,283/year (purchasing power: $119,613).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$53.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.17/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.04/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Laguna Niguel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $84.47/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.17/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Laguna Niguel grew 18.5% from $53.31/hr (2019) to $63.17/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.97/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 Laguna Niguel 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 Laguna Niguel
The financial landscape for optometrists who work part-time in Laguna Niguel reveals that a practitioner working three days a week, totaling 24 hours, can earn around $81,614 annually, a noticeable figure compared to a full-time optometrist’s potential earnings. Per diem roles are appealing as well; fill-in optometrists can command rates ranging from $500 to $800 daily in retail settings, and those working in OD/MD practices may see daily compensation between $700 and $1,200. Depending on their specialization, residency-trained optometrists in hospital systems may bill between $90 and $130/hour. Various employer types affect pay; while retail chains might offer lower rates, private practices may provide benefits that justify a lower hourly wage versus higher rates available in temporary roles without benefits. For those in Laguna Niguel, understanding the nuances of optometrist hourly rates in relation to employer frameworks offers practical insights for negotiating compensation effectively in this evolving field.
More salary data for Laguna Niguel, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Laguna Niguel in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Laguna Niguel?
Are optometrists in Laguna Niguel paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Laguna Niguel?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Laguna Niguel?
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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 Laguna Niguel. 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 Laguna Niguel 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