Optometrist Hourly Pay in Lake Forest, CA: $65.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Lake Forest, CA runs $65.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $136,800 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Lake Forest's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $58.15 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,082 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lake Forest, California, the projected median hourly pay for optometrists in 2026 is set at $65.77, which is slightly below the national median of $67.60. This hourly rate is indicative of the financial landscape for part-time and per-diem optometrists who are common in various settings such as private exam rooms, retail optical chains, and VA outpatient clinics. Part-time practitioners working three days a week can expect a flexible schedule while earning a solid income. The hourly wage range highlights the variations within the profession, with entry-level optometrists starting at about $38.15 per hour, while top earners can command up to $98.04 per hour. Such rates provide insights for potential optometry students considering different career paths in a growing field spurred by practice advancements and scope expansions.
About the Lake Forest 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) | $38.15 | $305.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.25 | $418.02 |
| Median (P50) | $65.77 | $526.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80.21 | $641.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98.04 | $784.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lake Forest
Based on $65.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.77/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lake Forest, CA can expect to earn approximately $136,803 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,925. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lake Forest.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lake Forest
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,630.83 | $11,400 | $136,803 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,578.50 | $6,840 | $82,082 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,052.33 | $4,560 | $54,721 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Lake Forest) | $65.77 |
| 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 Lake Forest, CA earn a median of $136,800 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.71% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.80% below the California state average of $139,307.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.77/hr = $82,082/year (purchasing power: $72,575).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $136,803/year (purchasing power: $120,958).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$53.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Lake Forest (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.74/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $85.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Lake Forest grew 18.5% from $53.91/hr (2019) to $63.88/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.72/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 Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest
Examining the earning potential for optometrists in Lake Forest through part-time work, a practitioner working 24 hours a week may take home around $75,000 annually, substantially lower than a full-time equivalent. Per diem optometrists often find opportunities that can bill between $500 and $800 daily at retail chains, or between $700 and $1,200 daily at OD/MD practices—an attractive option for those preferring flexibility. For those with residency training specializing in ocular disease, hourly rates can reach $90 to $130 for contract work at hospital systems. Optometrists operating in various environments, from solo practices to larger retail chains or private equity-acquired facilities, will find significant differences in hourly compensation. Some may choose lower pay in exchange for health insurance and benefits, a trade-off worth considering for anyone entering the field. Negotiating for better pay can lead to more favorable conditions, especially in such a dynamic profession in Lake Forest.
More salary data for Lake Forest, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Lake Forest. 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 Lake Forest 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