Optometrist Hourly Pay in Petaluma, CA: $81.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Petaluma, CA runs $81.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $168,627 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Petaluma's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $71.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $101,176 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Petaluma, California, earn a median hourly rate of $81.07, significantly higher than the national median of $67.60. This rate reflects a robust local demand for eye care professionals, allowing flexibility for those seeking part-time or per-diem positions. Professionals working three days a week, or 24 hours, can expect to generate a substantial income, especially within various settings like private optometry offices, retail optical chains, and VA outpatient clinics. The hourly pay range spans from $47.02 at the 10th percentile to $120.64 at the 90th percentile, underscoring the pay potential for both entry-level and experienced optometrists in the area. Estimated from annual salary data, these figures illustrate that a career in optometry offers rewarding financial prospects in Petaluma, CA.
About the Petaluma 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) | $47.02 | $376.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66.06 | $528.47 |
| Median (P50) | $81.07 | $648.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98.75 | $789.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $120.64 | $965.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Petaluma
Based on $81.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $81.07/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Petaluma, CA can expect to earn approximately $168,627 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $97,285. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Petaluma.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Petaluma
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,242.83 | $14,052 | $168,627 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,945.70 | $8,431 | $101,176 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,297.13 | $5,621 | $67,451 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Petaluma) | $81.07 |
| 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 Petaluma, CA earn a median of $168,627 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.92% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 21.00% above the California state average of $139,361.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $81.07/hr = $101,176/year (purchasing power: $89,457).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $168,627/year (purchasing power: $149,096).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$66.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$78.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$81.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Petaluma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $68.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $71.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $72.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $76.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $85.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $78.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Petaluma grew 18.5% from $66.45/hr (2019) to $78.74/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $83.47/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 Petaluma 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 Petaluma
Part-time optometrists who work three days a week in Petaluma may take home approximately $100,000 annually, a substantial income yet lower than that of their full-time counterparts. The per diem or agency optometrist landscape can further augment earnings, with rates ranging from $500 to $800 per day at retail chains and up to $1,200 when filling in for OD/MD practices or hospital systems, depending on the nature of the position and experience. Rates may vary significantly among employers, including private practices, retail chains like LensCrafters, and military health systems, leading to diverse hourly compensation structures. Optometrists in Petaluma often weigh the trade-offs between higher hourly rates from non-benefit positions versus salaried positions offering health coverage, prompting negotiations that can hinge on personal needs. For those navigating this competitive field, understanding local salary ranges, employer types, and per diem optometrist pay in Petaluma is essential for maximizing career potential.
More salary data for Petaluma, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Petaluma in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Petaluma?
Are optometrists in Petaluma paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Petaluma?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Petaluma?
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 Petaluma. 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 Petaluma 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