Optometrist Hourly Pay in Mission Viejo, CA: $67.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Mission Viejo, CA runs $67.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $140,630 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Mission Viejo's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $59.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,382 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Mission Viejo, California, earn a median hourly pay of $67.61, which slightly exceeds the national median of $67.60. This competitive hourly rate provides flexibility for part-time professionals, particularly those working three days a week; they can capitalize on their skill set while balancing work and personal commitments. Per-diem opportunities also abound for optometrists in various settings, including private practices, retail optical chains, OD/MD collaborations, VA outpatient clinics, and university exam rooms. The hourly earning range illustrates significant potential, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $39.22, while top earners can reach up to $97.77, indicating a promising income trajectory for those willing to invest in their qualifications and experience within the field.
About the Mission Viejo 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) | $39.22 | $313.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.40 | $427.16 |
| Median (P50) | $67.61 | $540.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80.65 | $645.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97.77 | $782.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mission Viejo
Based on $67.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.61/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mission Viejo, CA can expect to earn approximately $140,637 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,137. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Mission Viejo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mission Viejo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,704.55 | $11,720 | $140,637 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,622.73 | $7,032 | $84,382 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,081.82 | $4,688 | $56,255 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Mission Viejo) | $67.61 |
| 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 Mission Viejo, CA earn a median of $140,630 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.01% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 0.90% above the California state average of $139,376.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.61/hr = $84,382/year (purchasing power: $74,608).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $140,637/year (purchasing power: $124,347).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$55.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Mission Viejo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $87.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Mission Viejo grew 18.5% from $55.42/hr (2019) to $65.67/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.62/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 Mission Viejo 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 Mission Viejo
When considering part-time opportunities, an optometrist in Mission Viejo working 24 hours a week takes home approximately $83,000 annually, compared to full-time colleagues who enjoy higher total earnings. For those delving into per-diem positions, billing rates can vary broadly; retail chains often pay between $500 and $800 per day, while fill-in optometrists at OD/MD practices can command $700 to $1,200 daily. Employment type considerably influences hourly compensation; private practices might offer lower rates but provide benefits, whereas retail chains might offer higher out-of-pocket hourly pay but forego benefits such as health coverage. For optometrists targeting a balance between earnings and job security, strategic negotiation on their hourly wage and employment conditions can provide pathways toward a sustainable and rewarding career in Mission Viejo, particularly for those with AOA, NBEO, or ACOE accreditation.
More salary data for Mission Viejo, 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 Mission Viejo. 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 Mission Viejo 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