Optometrist Hourly Pay in Richmond, CA: $68.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Richmond, CA runs $68.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $141,974 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Richmond's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $60.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $85,179 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Richmond, California, the optometrist hourly pay is notably competitive, with a median rate of $68.25, surpassing the national hourly median of $67.60. This hourly rate offers significant opportunities for part-time and per-diem optometrists, who often work in diverse settings such as private practices, retail optical chains, and university clinics. For those in the profession, working three days a week could yield substantial weekly earnings, and the hourly range accommodates various experience levels: from $39.59 for entry-level practitioners to $101.73 for the top earners in Richmond. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates and reflect the evolving demand for optometry services in light of expanded scopes of practice.
About the Richmond 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) | $39.59 | $316.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.51 | $420.08 |
| Median (P50) | $68.25 | $546.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82.86 | $662.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101.73 | $813.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Richmond
Based on $68.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.25/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Richmond, CA can expect to earn approximately $141,965 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,903. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Richmond.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Richmond
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,730.09 | $11,830 | $141,965 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,638.05 | $7,098 | $85,179 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,092.03 | $4,732 | $56,786 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Richmond) | $68.25 |
| 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 Richmond, CA earn a median of $141,974 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.97% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.90% above the California state average of $139,326.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.25/hr = $85,179/year (purchasing power: $75,313).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $141,965/year (purchasing power: $125,521).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$55.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $88.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Richmond grew 18.5% from $55.94/hr (2019) to $66.29/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $70.27/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 Richmond 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 Richmond
Part-time optometrists working just three days a week typically earn a solid income, translating to roughly $104,000 annually if they work 24 hours a week at the median hourly pay. In contrast, per-diem optometrists may earn varying daily rates; those at retail optical chains can bill anywhere from $500 to $800 a day, while fill-in positions in OD/MD practices may see rates rise to $700-$1,200 per day. The hourly rates can differ significantly based on employment type, with private practices, retail chains like LensCrafters and Pearle Vision, and specialty positions in hospitals impacting compensation. As many optometrists weigh the benefits of employment—like health insurance—against potentially higher hourly pay without those benefits, negotiation remains crucial in the Richmond market. Understanding these dynamics can help current and future optometrists navigate their earning potential effectively.
More salary data for Richmond, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Richmond in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Richmond?
Are optometrists in Richmond paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Richmond?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Richmond?
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 Richmond. 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 Richmond 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