Optometrist Hourly Pay in Oakland, CA: $72.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Oakland, CA runs $72.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $150,141 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Oakland's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $63.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $90,087 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For optometrists in Oakland, California, the median hourly pay is projected to be $72.19 in 2026, which surpasses the national median of $67.60. This rate provides ample opportunities for part-time or per-diem workers, particularly those seeking flexible schedules in diverse settings such as private optometry clinics, retail optical chains, and university teaching clinics. With an hourly range from $41.86 for entry-level positions to $111.89 for the most experienced practitioners, optometrists can effectively choose between varying employment types based on their career aspirations and personal needs. Given that these hourly figures are derived from annual salary estimates, it indicates a realistic expectation for earnings in the field, even for part-time professionals working three days a week.
About the Oakland 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) | $41.86 | $334.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55.91 | $447.26 |
| Median (P50) | $72.19 | $577.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90.14 | $721.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $111.89 | $895.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oakland
Based on $72.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $72.19/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oakland, CA can expect to earn approximately $150,145 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $86,622. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Oakland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oakland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,887.41 | $12,512 | $150,145 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,732.45 | $7,507 | $90,087 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,154.96 | $5,005 | $60,058 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Oakland) | $72.19 |
| 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 Oakland, CA earn a median of $150,141 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.78% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 7.80% above the California state average of $139,278.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $72.19/hr = $90,087/year (purchasing power: $79,653).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $150,145/year (purchasing power: $132,754).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$59.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$70.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$72.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Oakland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $60.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $63.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $64.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $67.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $93.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $70.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Oakland grew 18.5% from $59.17/hr (2019) to $70.11/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $74.32/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 Oakland 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 Oakland
Part-time optometrists working three days a week might find that their earnings can be substantial, yet less than their full-time counterparts. For example, a part-time schedule totaling around 24 hours a week could yield approximately $57,000 annually, providing a comfortable income without the commitment required by full-time positions. Per-diem roles in Oakland grant another lucrative option, with optometrists often billing between $500 and $800 daily at retail locations, while those filling in at specialized OD/MD practices can earn between $700 and $1,200 each day. In terms of employer types, hourly rates can differ significantly; private practices typically offer varying compensation compared to retail chains or hospital settings, where benefits like health insurance might come with a trade-off in hourly pay. Understanding these dynamics can empower optometrists to negotiate their compensation effectively, especially in the competitive landscape shaped by recent expansions in the scope of practice, including management of glaucoma and other advanced therapies.
More salary data for Oakland, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Oakland. 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 Oakland 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