Optometrist Hourly Pay in Redding, CA: $66.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Redding, CA runs $66.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $137,396 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Redding's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $58.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,442 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Redding, California, the 2026 projected optometrist hourly pay is estimated to be $66.06, slightly below the national median of $67.60. This hourly rate makes the profession accessible to both full-time and part-time roles, allowing those who work three days a week to earn competitive wages. Typical settings for optometrists include private exam rooms, retail optical chains, and various healthcare facilities, and they can expect hourly earnings ranging from $38.31 at entry-level positions to about $99.03 for top earners. These figures reflect the industry's trend towards flexibility, accommodating both per-diem opportunities and traditional employment arrangements, with hourly rates extrapolated from annual salary estimates.
About the Redding 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) | $38.31 | $306.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.82 | $422.55 |
| Median (P50) | $66.06 | $528.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80.91 | $647.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99.03 | $792.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Redding
Based on $66.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.06/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Redding, CA can expect to earn approximately $137,403 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,271. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Redding.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Redding
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,642.37 | $11,450 | $137,403 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,585.42 | $6,870 | $82,442 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,056.95 | $4,580 | $54,961 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Redding) | $66.06 |
| 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 Redding, CA earn a median of $137,396 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.29% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.40% below the California state average of $139,347.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.06/hr = $82,442/year (purchasing power: $72,893).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $137,403/year (purchasing power: $121,488).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$54.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Redding (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $85.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Redding grew 18.5% from $54.14/hr (2019) to $64.16/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.01/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 Redding 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 Redding
For part-time optometrists in Redding, working three days a week translates to approximately 24 hours, generating a significant income when compared to full-time positions. Per diem optometrist pay in this area can vary widely, with daily billing rates at retail chains ranging from $500 to $800, while covering shifts in OD/MD practices can reach $700 to $1,200 per day. Moreover, experienced residency-trained optometrists may command hourly rates between $90 and $130, especially in hospital environments. Hourly rates also fluctuate across different employer types; for example, while private practices may offer lower pay with added benefits, retail chains typically provide higher hourly rates devoid of health benefits. Consequently, optometrists need to weigh the trade-offs between hourly compensation and benefits when negotiating their pay in Redding.
More salary data for Redding, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Redding in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Redding?
Are optometrists in Redding paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Redding?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Redding?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Redding. 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 Redding 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