Optometrist Hourly Pay in Napa, CA: $66.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Napa, CA runs $66.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $137,363 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Napa's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $58.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,416 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Napa, California, the projected median hourly pay for optometrists is $66.04, slightly lower than the national median of $67.60 per hour. This figure suggests a solid compensation for those working in various environments such as private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and hospital systems. For part-time optometrists, typically those working three days a week, this rate profoundly influences their yearly earnings, as they might work around 24 hours weekly. In Napa's optometry sector, entry-level professionals can expect to earn approximately $38.64 per hour, while top earners in the field can reach rates as high as $98.98 per hour. It's important to consider that these hourly rates are derived from annual salary data, which reflects the diverse opportunities and work settings available to optometrists in this vibrant Californian city.
About the Napa 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) | $38.64 | $309.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.24 | $433.91 |
| Median (P50) | $66.04 | $528.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80.86 | $646.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98.98 | $791.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Napa
Based on $66.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.04/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Napa, CA can expect to earn approximately $137,360 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,246. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Napa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Napa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,641.54 | $11,447 | $137,360 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,584.93 | $6,868 | $82,416 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,056.62 | $4,579 | $54,944 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Napa) | $66.04 |
| 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 Napa, CA earn a median of $137,363 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.31% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.40% below the California state average of $139,313.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.04/hr = $82,416/year (purchasing power: $72,870).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $137,360/year (purchasing power: $121,450).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$54.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.04/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Napa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $85.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Napa grew 18.5% from $54.13/hr (2019) to $64.14/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.99/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 Napa 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 Napa
Part-time optometrists in Napa could earn around $83,158 annually if they work full three-day weeks at the median rate, compared to their full-time counterparts who may see more benefits but also longer hours. Per diem optometrists often secure better daily rates, charging $500-$800 at retail chains and even more, between $700-$1,200, within OD/MD practices depending on their training and area of specialty. These arrangements provide flexibility but come with uncertainties typical of contractual work. Employers differ significantly across Napa, with private practices, retail chains, and hospital systems offering varied pay scales due to factors like benefits and patient volume. Many optometrists weigh hourly pay against benefits like health insurance when considering positions; balancing immediate earnings with long-term security. Those negotiating their positions should research local norms and remain flexible, knowing that securing a higher hourly rate could come at the cost of essential benefits.
More salary data for Napa, 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 Napa. 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 Napa 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