Optometrist Hourly Pay in San Rafael, CA: $67.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in San Rafael, CA runs $67.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $141,369 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against San Rafael's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $60.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,819 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In San Rafael, California, the optometrist hourly pay is projected at $67.96 in 2026, which aligns closely with the national median of $67.60. This competitive rate supports various employment arrangements, allowing part-time professionals, who may work just three days a week, to earn a substantial income while balancing personal commitments. Independent optometrists and those working in private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains like LensCrafters, or VA outpatient eye clinics can expect to see hourly earnings ranging from $39.42 to $98.80, depending on experience and the specific work setting. These figures are estimates derived from annual salary data but indicate a solid outlook for both emerging optometrists and experienced practitioners in the region.
About the San Rafael 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) | $39.42 | $315.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.11 | $432.84 |
| Median (P50) | $67.96 | $543.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81.53 | $652.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98.80 | $790.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Rafael
Based on $67.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.96/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Rafael, CA can expect to earn approximately $141,365 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,557. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Rafael.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Rafael
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,718.56 | $11,780 | $141,365 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,631.13 | $7,068 | $84,819 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,087.42 | $4,712 | $56,546 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (San Rafael) | $67.96 |
| 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 Rafael, CA earn a median of $141,369 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.54% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.50% above the California state average of $139,280.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.96/hr = $84,819/year (purchasing power: $74,995).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $141,365/year (purchasing power: $124,991).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$55.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in San Rafael (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $88.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in San Rafael grew 18.5% from $55.71/hr (2019) to $66.01/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.98/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 Rafael 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 Rafael
Focusing on the earning potential for part-time optometrists reveals that a practitioner working three days a week, totaling around 24 hours, could generate significant income, yet still earn less than a full-time colleague. Per diem optometrist pay in San Rafael can vary considerably, with retail chain fill-in practitioners billing between $500 and $800 a day, while those in OD/MD practices may see rates range from $700 to $1,200 daily. Residency-trained ocular disease ODs at hospital systems often command a higher hourly wage, typically around $90 to $130. Different employer types, including solo practices, retail chains, and military health systems, also influence pay rates. Optometrists might negotiate for different compensation structures depending on whether they prioritize hourly rates or benefits like health insurance. Understanding these dynamics can provide an essential advantage for new graduates or those seeking to leverage their skills in various clinical or retail environments across San Rafael.
More salary data for San Rafael, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in San Rafael in 2026?
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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 Rafael. 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 San Rafael 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