Optometrist Hourly Pay in San Diego, CA: $65.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in San Diego, CA runs $65.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $137,225 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against San Diego's regional price level (BEA RPP 111.9, 12% above national), each hour of work buys what $58.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,339 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In San Diego, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to be $65.98 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $67.60. This hourly rate presents a promising opportunity for part-time or per-diem workers in various settings such as private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and university clinics. For individuals opting to work three days a week, a typical schedule involving 24 hours may yield a comfortable income while allowing flexibility. The hourly range for optometrists in San Diego stretches from $50.62 at the entry level to $103.05 for the top earners, highlighting significant potential for career progression as one gains experience and expands their skills, especially those with residency training or specialization in areas such as glaucoma treatment.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50.62 | $404.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60.54 | $484.32 |
| Median (P50) | $65.98 | $527.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79.23 | $633.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103.05 | $824.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Diego
Based on $65.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.98/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Diego, CA can expect to earn approximately $137,232 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,172. With a cost-of-living index of 111.89 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Diego.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Diego
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,639.07 | $11,436 | $137,232 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,583.44 | $6,862 | $82,339 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,055.63 | $4,574 | $54,893 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (San Diego) | $65.98 |
| 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 San Diego, CA earn a median of $137,225 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.41% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.50% below the California state average of $139,315.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.98/hr = $82,339/year (purchasing power: $73,591).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $137,232/year (purchasing power: $122,652).
CoL index: 111.887 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$87.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+-22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in San Diego (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $87.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $87.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $51.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.47/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in San Diego grew -26.4% from $87.05/hr (2019) to $64.08/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.93/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 San Diego 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 San Diego
Considering part-time opportunities, an optometrist working three days a week can expect to earn around $52,000 annually, quite different from a full-time associate who typically sees total compensation align more closely with full-time hourly employees. Per diem optometrists in San Diego can command higher rates, often billing $500-$800 per day at retail chains and $700-$1,200 per day in OD/MD practice settings. Variations in hourly rates often reflect the type of employer, with private practices often offering lower rates than larger retail chains that may afford a higher hourly wage associated with fewer benefits. For those who choose to forgo benefits, there's a trade-off; accepting a lower hourly rate can lead to greater job security and health coverage. Negotiation strategies for new roles may rely on emphasizing specialized skills recognized by employers, especially in a market where residency-trained ODs are increasingly sought after.
More salary data for San Diego, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 San Diego. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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