Optometrist Hourly Pay in Pasadena, CA: $67.50 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Pasadena, CA runs $67.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $140,409 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Pasadena's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $59.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,241 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pasadena, California, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to hit $67.50 in 2026, closely aligning with the national hourly median of $67.60. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this rate translates to a viable income while allowing flexibility in scheduling. Those opting for per-diem positions, prevalent across various environments like retail optical chains, private practices, and outpatient clinics, could see daily earnings range significantly; meanwhile, entry-level optometrists may earn around $39.16 per hour, while top earners can take home up to $103.28 hourly. This range reflects the variety of employment settings available in Pasadena, where optometrists provide eye care services in a mix of private examination rooms and larger retail establishments.
About the Pasadena 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) | $39.16 | $313.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.58 | $428.64 |
| Median (P50) | $67.50 | $540.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.74 | $669.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103.28 | $826.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pasadena
Based on $67.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.50/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pasadena, CA can expect to earn approximately $140,401 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,001. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pasadena.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pasadena
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,700.02 | $11,700 | $140,401 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,620.01 | $7,020 | $84,241 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,080.01 | $4,680 | $56,160 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Pasadena) | $67.50 |
| 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 Pasadena, CA earn a median of $140,409 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.14% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.80% above the California state average of $139,294.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.50/hr = $84,241/year (purchasing power: $74,483).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $140,401/year (purchasing power: $124,139).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$55.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.50/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Pasadena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $87.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.50/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Pasadena grew 18.5% from $55.33/hr (2019) to $65.56/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.50/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 Pasadena 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 Pasadena
The earning potential for part-time optometrists in Pasadena is substantial when one examines the implications of working just three days a week. An optometrist working 24 hours weekly could take home about $84,000 annually, contrasting sharply with full-time colleagues who might earn upwards of $140,409. The per diem optometrist pay in Pasadena can also be lucrative, with daily rates ranging from $500-$800 in retail environments and $700-$1,200 in OD/MD practices, offering a semi-flexible employment model. Variations in hourly rates persist across different employer types, where private optometry practices and larger chains like LensCrafters might offer differing compensation packages. While some optometrists may sacrifice higher hourly rates for the stability of benefits in larger institutions, effective negotiation in Pasadena could yield advantageous terms tailored to personal circumstances, especially as the demand for trained professionals continues to grow.
More salary data for Pasadena, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Pasadena in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Pasadena?
Are optometrists in Pasadena paid hourly or salary?
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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 Pasadena. 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 Pasadena 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