Optometrist Hourly Pay in Oakley, CA: $64.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Oakley, CA runs $64.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $134,880 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Oakley's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $57.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,926 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oakley, CA, the optometrist hourly pay stands at $64.84, reflecting a modest 4.08% lower than the national median of $67.60. This rate offers an attractive option for professionals considering part-time work, particularly those looking to practice three days a week in environments like private optometry offices or retail chains such as LensCrafters and Walmart Vision. The hourly range spans from $37.61 for entry-level positions, which allows newcomers a chance to build experience, up to $94.55 for top earners who often bring additional specializations or extensive experience. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates, and while they shed light on earning potential, they underscore the diverse opportunities and settings in which optometrists can thrive in Oakley.
About the Oakley 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) | $37.61 | $300.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.24 | $433.91 |
| Median (P50) | $64.84 | $518.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78.36 | $626.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94.55 | $756.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oakley
Based on $64.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.84/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oakley, CA can expect to earn approximately $134,876 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,813. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Oakley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oakley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,593.77 | $11,240 | $134,876 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,556.26 | $6,744 | $80,926 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,037.51 | $4,496 | $53,950 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Oakley) | $64.84 |
| 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 Oakley, CA earn a median of $134,880 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.08% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.20% below the California state average of $139,338.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.84/hr = $80,926/year (purchasing power: $71,552).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $134,876/year (purchasing power: $119,254).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$53.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Oakley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.15/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $84.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Oakley grew 18.5% from $53.15/hr (2019) to $62.98/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.76/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 Oakley 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 Oakley
Evaluating part-time work in Oakley, a 24-hour week would yield more than $80,000 annually for an optometrist, a competitive wage compared to full-time counterparts. Per diem optometrists, in various settings including retail optical chains and clinical practices, can command higher pay rates ranging from $500 to $1,200 per day, depending on whether they are working in private practices or hospitals. As the demand for ocular disease management and other expanded services increases, so too does the interest in flexible work schedules. Employers vary widely in how they compensate; while retail chains may offer consistent hours and hourly rates, private practices may crucially provide benefits that higher hourly rates in locum tenens or agency work do not. Understanding this balance between compensation and benefits is crucial for optometrists in Oakley, allowing them to negotiate effectively for their desired pay structure.
More salary data for Oakley, 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 Oakley. 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 Oakley 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