Optometrist Hourly Pay in Menifee, CA: $66.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Menifee, CA runs $66.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $138,381 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Menifee's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $58.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $83,033 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Menifee, California, optometrists earn a median hourly rate of $66.53, slightly below the national median of $67.60. This rate presents appealing options for part-time and per-diem work, especially in various settings such as private optometry offices, retail optical chains, and outpatient clinics. For optometrists working three days a week, the flexible schedule can translate into a substantial income, reflecting their critical role in eye health. Entry-level optometrists in Menifee can expect to earn approximately $38.59 per hour, while more experienced professionals can command rates up to $100.02 per hour. These estimates are crucial for those considering different employment opportunities within the state's evolving optometry landscape.
Part-time optometrists working 24 hours a week could earn around $51,420 annually, a considerable income for someone balancing other commitments. This earning potential differs significantly from full-time positions, which typically yield much higher annual salaries. For per-diem optometrists in Menifee, daily pay can vary widely—retail chains might offer between $500 and $800 per day, while those filling in at OD/MD practices could see rates of $700 to $1,200 per day. Residency-trained ODs specializing in ocular disease can secure rates as high as $130 per hour. Hourly wages differ among employer types; private practices often follow a lower pay scale due to reduced overhead costs compared to larger retail chains. When negotiating, optometrists should weigh the benefits of higher hourly rates against health benefits usually available in full-time positions. Understanding the local market dynamics and staying informed about industry standards will empower optometrists to make well-informed career decisions in Menifee, CA.
About the Menifee 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) | $38.59 | $308.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.12 | $424.94 |
| Median (P50) | $66.53 | $532.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81.27 | $650.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100.02 | $800.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Menifee
Based on $66.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.53/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Menifee, CA can expect to earn approximately $138,388 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,839. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Menifee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Menifee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,661.31 | $11,532 | $138,388 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,596.79 | $6,919 | $83,033 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,064.52 | $4,613 | $55,355 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Menifee) | $66.53 |
| 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 Menifee, CA earn a median of $138,381 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.59% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.70% below the California state average of $139,357.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.53/hr = $83,033/year (purchasing power: $73,415).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $138,388/year (purchasing power: $122,359).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$54.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Menifee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $86.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Menifee grew 18.5% from $54.53/hr (2019) to $64.62/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.50/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 Menifee 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.
More salary data for Menifee, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Menifee in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Menifee?
Are optometrists in Menifee paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Menifee?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Menifee?
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 Menifee. 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 Menifee 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