Optometrist Hourly Pay in Rialto, CA: $68.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Rialto, CA runs $68.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $141,906 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Rialto's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $60.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $85,140 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Rialto, California, can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $68.22, which slightly surpasses the national hourly median of $67.60. This rate provides lucrative opportunities for both part-time workers, such as those operating three days a week, and per-diem optometrists who engage in filling shifts within the community’s healthcare ecosystem. With the hourly pay ranging from $39.57 for entry-level positions to $101.62 for top earners, optometrists can find flexible work environments in private practices, retail optical chains, VA outpatient clinics, and university teaching hospitals. These figures indicate a fair compensation structure that reflects Rialto's cost of living index, which is above average at 113.1.
About the Rialto 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) | $39.57 | $316.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.45 | $419.58 |
| Median (P50) | $68.22 | $545.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82.78 | $662.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101.62 | $812.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rialto
Based on $68.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.22/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rialto, CA can expect to earn approximately $141,900 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,866. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Rialto.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rialto
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,728.85 | $11,825 | $141,900 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,637.31 | $7,095 | $85,140 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,091.54 | $4,730 | $56,760 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Rialto) | $68.22 |
| 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 Rialto, CA earn a median of $141,906 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.92% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.80% above the California state average of $139,397.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.22/hr = $85,140/year (purchasing power: $75,279).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $141,900/year (purchasing power: $125,464).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$55.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.22/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Rialto (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $88.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Rialto grew 18.5% from $55.92/hr (2019) to $66.26/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $70.24/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 Rialto 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 Rialto
For those considering part-time work, an optometrist working three days a week, totaling 24 hours, can earn a significantly lower annual income than their full-time counterparts, while also having more personal flexibility. Per-diem or agency optometrists may command higher daily fees, often billing between $500 to $800 at retail chains and up to $1,200 at specialized practices. Employment settings impact hourly rates; for example, retail chains may offer different compensation compared to private ophthalmology practices or hospital systems. Some optometrists choose lower hourly rates in exchange for comprehensive benefits, whereas others prefer flexibility and higher pay without the safety net of health insurance. Negotiating strategies in Rialto may include emphasizing experience, specialty areas like glaucoma management, or the enhanced value of residency training when entering discussions with potential employers.
More salary data for Rialto, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Rialto. 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 Rialto 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