Optometrist Hourly Pay in Rancho Cucamonga, CA: $67.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Rancho Cucamonga, CA runs $67.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $141,242 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Rancho Cucamonga's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $60.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,742 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the optometrist hourly pay in Rancho Cucamonga is projected to be $67.90, slightly above the national median of $67.60. This figure reflects not only the earning potential for full-time practitioners but also provides valuable insights for part-time and per-diem roles. For those working three days a week, the pay translates well into a favorable income while fitting into a flexible schedule that suits many professionals transitioning in or out of the workforce. In terms of pay scale, entry-level optometrists can expect approximately $39.38 per hour, while top-earning optometrists in the region may enjoy hourly rates reaching as high as $100.31. These estimates are derived from annual salary projections, offering a comprehensive view of what careers in this field offer within California's unique economic landscape.
About the Rancho Cucamonga 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) | $39.38 | $315.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55.85 | $446.76 |
| Median (P50) | $67.90 | $543.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82.06 | $656.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100.31 | $802.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rancho Cucamonga
Based on $67.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.90/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rancho Cucamonga, CA can expect to earn approximately $141,236 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,483. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Rancho Cucamonga.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rancho Cucamonga
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,716.08 | $11,770 | $141,236 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,629.65 | $7,062 | $84,742 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,086.43 | $4,708 | $56,495 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Rancho Cucamonga) | $67.90 |
| 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 Rancho Cucamonga, CA earn a median of $141,242 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.45% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.40% above the California state average of $139,291.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.90/hr = $84,742/year (purchasing power: $74,926).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $141,236/year (purchasing power: $124,877).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$55.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Rancho Cucamonga (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $88.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Rancho Cucamonga grew 18.5% from $55.65/hr (2019) to $65.95/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.91/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 Rancho Cucamonga 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 Rancho Cucamonga
Exploring the part-time opportunities for optometrists reveals that a professional working three days a week—averaging 24 hours—could realistically bring home around $105,432 annually, a significant figure compared to full-time salaries. Per diem placements, which are becoming increasingly popular, allow optometrists to command impressive daily rates; filling in at retail optical chains can yield between $500 to $800 per day, while those in OD/MD practices might charge upwards of $700 to $1,200 daily. Variations in hourly rates can often be aligned with the type of employer, with private optometry practices and retail chains differing considerably. The choice between lower hourly rates with benefits in a stable job versus higher pay without benefits often shapes the decision-making for many optometrists. For optimal negotiation, it’s crucial for practitioners in Rancho Cucamonga to articulate their unique skills, particularly those emphasizing expanded clinical practice capabilities, which can justify premium pay based on increased responsibilities and services offered.
More salary data for Rancho Cucamonga, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Rancho Cucamonga in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Rancho Cucamonga?
Are optometrists in Rancho Cucamonga paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Rancho Cucamonga?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Rancho Cucamonga?
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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 Rancho Cucamonga. 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 Rancho Cucamonga 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