Optometrist Hourly Pay in Santa Monica, CA: $67.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Santa Monica, CA runs $67.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $140,828 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Santa Monica's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $59.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,498 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Santa Monica, California, optometrists earn a median hourly rate of $67.71, slightly above the national median of $67.60. This figure represents a promising opportunity for both full-time practitioners and those seeking part-time or per-diem work in diverse settings, including private optometry offices, retail optical chains, and university teaching clinics. Part-time optometrists working three days a week can expect to earn a steady income while enjoying a more flexible schedule. Meanwhile, the hourly pay range varies significantly, with entry-level optometrists earning around $39.27 and experienced professionals or those in specialized roles potentially reaching up to $97.93 per hour, highlighting the diverse earning landscape in this sector for those actively engaging in the field.
About the Santa Monica 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) | $39.27 | $314.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.58 | $428.64 |
| Median (P50) | $67.71 | $541.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80.94 | $647.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97.93 | $783.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Monica
Based on $67.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.71/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Monica, CA can expect to earn approximately $140,830 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,248. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Monica.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Monica
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,708.26 | $11,736 | $140,830 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,624.96 | $7,041 | $84,498 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,083.30 | $4,694 | $56,332 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Santa Monica) | $67.71 |
| 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 Santa Monica, CA earn a median of $140,828 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.15% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.10% above the California state average of $139,295.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.71/hr = $84,498/year (purchasing power: $74,711).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $140,830/year (purchasing power: $124,518).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$55.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.71/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Santa Monica (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $87.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Santa Monica grew 18.5% from $55.49/hr (2019) to $65.76/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.71/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 Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica
For professionals opting for part-time work, the earnings from a 24-hour work week can significantly differ from those of full-time positions, making it crucial to understand the financial implications of these choices. Per-diem optometrists in Santa Monica can command daily rates that range from $500 to $1,200 depending on the practice setting. Specifically, agency fill-ins at retail chains typically earn $500-$800 per day, while those working with OD/MD setups can bring home $700-$1,200 daily. Depending on the employer type, compensation can also vary widely; for example, retail optical chains might offer lower hourly pay but provide health benefits, while private practices might emphasize higher pay without additional benefits. For those negotiating their pay, considering factors such as health insurance coverage, job stability, and flexibility is essential, particularly as optometrists navigate the evolving practice environment shaped by recent expansions in scope, including glaucoma management and the use of oral medications.
More salary data for Santa Monica, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Santa Monica in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Santa Monica?
Are optometrists in Santa Monica paid hourly or salary?
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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 Santa Monica. 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 Santa Monica 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