Optometrist Hourly Pay in San Francisco, CA: $70.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in San Francisco, CA runs $70.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $146,800 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against San Francisco's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.6, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $61.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $88,083 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the optometrist hourly pay in San Francisco, California, is projected to be $70.58, exceeding the national median of $67.60. This competitive hourly rate makes a career in optometry appealing, especially for part-time and per-diem workers. For those looking to work three days a week, earning $70.58 per hour translates to a robust income even with a reduced schedule, allowing flexibility in personal and professional commitments. Per-diem optometrists often find themselves in settings such as private exam rooms, retail optical chains, and university clinics, with potential earnings varying widely. The hourly wage range for optometrists spans from $53.35 for entry-level positions to $109.57 for experienced professionals, indicating a solid career trajectory within the field.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53.35 | $426.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63.80 | $510.43 |
| Median (P50) | $70.58 | $564.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85.77 | $686.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109.57 | $876.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Francisco
Based on $70.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $70.58/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Francisco, CA can expect to earn approximately $146,804 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $84,695. With a cost-of-living index of 115.61 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Francisco.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Francisco
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,823.16 | $12,234 | $146,804 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,693.90 | $7,340 | $88,083 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,129.27 | $4,893 | $58,722 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (San Francisco) | $70.58 |
| 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 Francisco, CA earn a median of $146,800 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.40% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 5.40% above the California state average of $139,279.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $70.58/hr = $88,083/year (purchasing power: $76,188).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $146,804/year (purchasing power: $126,979).
CoL index: 115.613 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$58.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$68.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$70.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+23.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in San Francisco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $68.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $65.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $71.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $75.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $68.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in San Francisco grew 16.6% from $58.81/hr (2019) to $68.55/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $72.67/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 Francisco 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 Francisco
Focusing on part-time work as an optometrist in San Francisco shows promising earning potential. An optometrist working three days per week, totaling approximately 24 hours, could take home around $86,522 annually, a substantial income compared to many professions. For those considering per-diem roles, rates generally range from $500 to $800 per day in retail environments, while those filling in at medical practices can command between $700 and $1,200 per day. Hourly rates can also vary significantly based on the type of employer; private practices may offer different compensations than retail chains or ophthalmology groups. Some optometrists may choose lower hourly rates for the accompanying benefits such as health insurance, while others prefer higher pay without benefits for greater financial flexibility. In negotiating hourly pay, it is crucial to understand the local job market and leverage skills like residency training or expertise in emerging optometry practices to secure a favorable rate.
More salary data for San Francisco, 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 Francisco. 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