Optometrist Hourly Pay in Los Angeles, CA: $68.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Los Angeles, CA runs $68.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $143,053 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Los Angeles's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.6, 14% above national), each hour of work buys what $60.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $85,834 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the optometrist hourly pay in Los Angeles stands at $68.78, slightly higher than the national median of $67.60. This competitive hourly rate is beneficial for part-time optometrists working three days a week, who could effectively structure their schedules to fit personal needs while still earning a respectable income. The hourly wage varies widely, with entry-level positions starting around $36.41 and experienced optometrists earning up to $103.71. Such flexibility in work hours allows practitioners to explore various employment settings, including private optometry offices, retail optical chains, outpatient clinics, and academic institutions. The data cited reflects 2026 projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, providing a clear outlook for those considering a career in optometry within CA.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.41 | $291.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63.14 | $505.08 |
| Median (P50) | $68.78 | $550.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79.90 | $639.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103.71 | $829.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Los Angeles
Based on $68.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.78/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Los Angeles, CA can expect to earn approximately $143,057 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $82,533. With a cost-of-living index of 113.57 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Los Angeles.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Los Angeles
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,751.09 | $11,921 | $143,057 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,650.65 | $7,153 | $85,834 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,100.44 | $4,769 | $57,223 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Los Angeles) | $68.78 |
| 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 Los Angeles, CA earn a median of $143,053 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.74% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.70% above the California state average of $139,292.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.78/hr = $85,834/year (purchasing power: $75,581).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $143,057/year (purchasing power: $125,968).
CoL index: 113.566 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$58.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+21.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Los Angeles (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $65.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $65.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Los Angeles grew 14.5% from $58.35/hr (2019) to $66.80/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $70.81/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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles
For optometrists considering part-time work, the reality of earning potential can vary significantly. A typical three-day workweek, totaling around 24 hours, results in an annual income of approximately $85,000, which, while palatable, is still less than what full-time positions might yield. Per diem optometrists in Los Angeles, frequently working through agencies, can typically command $500 to $800 daily in retail settings and up to $1,200 per day in medical practices, offering a lucrative option for those willing to take on variable hours. The hourly rates also fluctuate based on the practice type, where private optometry practices might offer different compensation than retail giants or hospital systems. Given this variability, many professionals face a trade-off between potentially lower hourly earnings that include comprehensive health benefits or higher rates as independent contractors without those perks. In negotiating hourly rates, understanding the local market trends and being aware of the preferences of different employment types can lead to more favorable compensation outcomes.
More salary data for Los Angeles, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Los Angeles in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Los Angeles?
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Related Pages
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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 Los Angeles. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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