Optometrist Hourly Pay in San Mateo, CA: $67.70 (2026)

For those contemplating part-time work or per-diem opportunities, a 24-hour work week could yield earnings substantially lower than full-time rates. For instance, a part-time optometrist working three days a week could expect an annual income significantly less than their full-time counterparts, who enjoy steadier paychecks and benefits. Per-diem optometrists, commonly engaging with retail optical chains, can bill anywhere from $500 to $800 a day, while those filling in at OD/MD practices might see daily rates between $700 and $1,200. The earnings can be influenced by the practice environment, with private practices and hospital settings often offering varying pay rates due to differences in schedule flexibility and benefits packages. Furthermore, practitioners sometimes accept lower hourly rates for the security of health insurance in a full-time role versus the higher hourly but benefits-free environment of locum tenens work. When negotiating pay, optometrists in San Mateo should consider their experience level, specializations, and the employer’s unique compensation structure to maximize their earning potential.