Optometrist Hourly Pay in Pomona, CA: $69.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Pomona, CA runs $69.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $144,034 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Pomona's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $61.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $86,425 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Pomona, California, receive a median hourly pay of $69.25, which is higher than the national average of $67.60. This median figure is particularly advantageous for those working part-time or on a per-diem basis. For instance, a part-time optometrist working three days a week can earn substantial income while enjoying a flexible schedule. The hourly pay in Pomona ranges from $40.16 at the entry-level to $102.70 for those with extensive experience and specialization. This range demonstrates the potential earning power within the profession, highlighting the opportunities for new graduates as well as seasoned practitioners in various settings such as private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains, and specialty clinics.
About the Pomona 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) | $40.16 | $321.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.48 | $435.81 |
| Median (P50) | $69.25 | $554.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.76 | $670.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102.70 | $821.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pomona
Based on $69.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $69.25/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pomona, CA can expect to earn approximately $144,042 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $83,101. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pomona.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pomona
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,770.04 | $12,003 | $144,042 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,662.02 | $7,202 | $86,425 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,108.01 | $4,801 | $57,617 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Pomona) | $69.25 |
| 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 Pomona, CA earn a median of $144,034 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.43% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 3.40% above the California state average of $139,298.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $69.25/hr = $86,425/year (purchasing power: $76,415).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $144,042/year (purchasing power: $127,358).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$56.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$67.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$69.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Pomona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $89.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $67.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Pomona grew 18.5% from $56.76/hr (2019) to $67.26/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $71.30/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 Pomona 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 Pomona
Part-time employment offers distinct financial outcomes for optometrists, with a part-time worker clocking in around 24 hours weekly bringing home significantly less annually than someone in a full-time role. Per diem optometrist pay in Pomona can vary widely; those filling in at retail chains often make between $500 and $800 per day, while those in OD/MD practices may earn from $700 to $1,200. Notably, residency-trained ocular disease optometrists working within hospital systems can command hourly wages between $90 and $130. Pay varies depending on the employer type, with private practices generally offering less than larger retail chains or specialized ophthalmology settings. Some optometrists choose to trade higher hourly rates for job security and benefits such as health insurance. Practical tips for negotiating hourly pay include researching comparable salaries in the area, tapping into professional networks, and clearly articulating the value of the optometrist’s skills and experience.
More salary data for Pomona, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Pomona in 2026?
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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 Pomona. 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 Pomona 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