Optometrist Hourly Pay in Redwood City, CA: $65.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Redwood City, CA runs $65.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $136,292 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Redwood City's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $57.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,774 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Redwood City, California, optometrists earn a median hourly pay of $65.52, which falls slightly below the national median of $67.60. This hourly rate reflects the scope and nature of practice settings, including private optical offices, retail chains, and university clinics. For part-time optometrists working three days a week, the hourly wage supports a substantial, albeit variable income, enhancing flexibility in work-life balance. The wider hourly pay range—spanning from $38.00 for entry-level positions to as much as $96.98 for top-tier practitioners—highlights both entry points for new graduates and the premium commanded by experienced professionals. This data is a projection for 2026, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, providing insight into the evolving landscape of optometry in Redwood City.
About the Redwood City 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) | $38.00 | $304.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.77 | $414.15 |
| Median (P50) | $65.52 | $524.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79.65 | $637.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96.98 | $775.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Redwood City
Based on $65.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.52/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Redwood City, CA can expect to earn approximately $136,289 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,628. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Redwood City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Redwood City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,620.95 | $11,357 | $136,289 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,572.57 | $6,814 | $81,774 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,048.38 | $4,543 | $54,516 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Redwood City) | $65.52 |
| 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 Redwood City, CA earn a median of $136,292 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.07% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.20% below the California state average of $139,358.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.52/hr = $81,774/year (purchasing power: $72,302).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $136,289/year (purchasing power: $120,503).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$53.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.52/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Redwood City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.92/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $85.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Redwood City grew 18.5% from $53.71/hr (2019) to $63.64/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.46/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 Redwood City 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 Redwood City
Working part-time as an optometrist can result in significant income versus full-time employment, especially when considering a typical three-day workweek amounts to around 24 hours. For example, a part-time optometrist can realize annual earnings considerably lower than full-timers, despite an hourly rate that may seem attractive. Per diem optometrists in Redwood City often see a notable variance in pay; those posted at retail outlets could earn between $500 and $800 for a day's work, while practitioners filling in at OD/MD practices command rates as high as $700 to $1,200 daily. The decision between working in private practices, retail chains, or specialized medical settings influences pay rates notably. Optometrists in military or VA settings may find benefits and job security in exchange for potentially lower hourly pay, creating a critical trade-off decision for many. Negotiating offers that consider both hourly rates and benefits is essential for optometrists, particularly in a competitive market like Redwood City, where employment opportunities in the field continue to evolve.
More salary data for Redwood City, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Redwood City in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Redwood City?
Are optometrists in Redwood City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Redwood City?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Redwood City?
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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 Redwood City. 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 Redwood City 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