Optometrist Hourly Pay in Pleasanton, CA: $67.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Pleasanton, CA runs $67.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $140,607 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Pleasanton's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $59.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,369 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Pleasanton, CA, can expect a median hourly rate of $67.60 in 2026, which aligns with the national median of $67.60. This rate offers competitive compensation for both full-time and part-time practitioners, including those working three days a week in settings like private optometry clinics or retail chains. With an entry-level pay starting around $39.21, and top earners reaching $100.03, these hourly figures demonstrate a range that can accommodate different levels of experience and commitment. Part-time optometrists, who may work on a per-diem basis, can find attractive opportunities throughout the city, whether in traditional optometric offices or in emerging telehealth environments, benefiting from the increased demand in eye care services.
About the Pleasanton 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) | $39.21 | $313.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.36 | $426.91 |
| Median (P50) | $67.60 | $540.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82.21 | $657.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100.03 | $800.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pleasanton
Based on $67.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.60/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pleasanton, CA can expect to earn approximately $140,615 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,124. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pleasanton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pleasanton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,704.14 | $11,718 | $140,615 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,622.48 | $7,031 | $84,369 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,081.66 | $4,687 | $56,246 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Pleasanton) | $67.60 |
| 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 Pleasanton, CA earn a median of $140,607 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.00% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.90% above the California state average of $139,353.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.60/hr = $84,369/year (purchasing power: $74,597).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $140,615/year (purchasing power: $124,328).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$55.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Pleasanton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $87.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Pleasanton grew 18.5% from $55.41/hr (2019) to $65.66/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.60/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 Pleasanton 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 Pleasanton
For optometrists considering part-time employment, a typical three-day workweek (approximately 24 hours) translates to an annual income that may significantly differ from full-time revenue. With per-diem optometrists billing between $500 and $800 per day at retail locations and substantially higher rates, like $700 to $1,200 for OD/MD practices, the earning potential varies widely based on the practice setting. Additionally, residency-trained ocular disease optometrists may command rates as high as $90-$130 per hour in hospital environments. Pay rates can differ across employer types in Pleasanton; private practices often offer steadier hours with lower rates, while retail chains and ophthalmology practices may offer higher hourly wages but with less job security and minimal benefits. In negotiating, optometrists should evaluate whether higher pay aligns with their financial needs or if the trade-off for lower hourly wages with health benefits suits their career objectives better.
More salary data for Pleasanton, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Pleasanton in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Pleasanton?
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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 Pleasanton. 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 Pleasanton 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