Optometrist Hourly Pay in Santa Rosa, CA: $81.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Santa Rosa, CA runs $81.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $170,255 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Santa Rosa's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.8, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $75.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $102,153 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Santa Rosa, California, the optometrist hourly pay stands at a compelling $81.85, significantly surpassing the national median of $67.60. This attractive rate reflects the competitive landscape for optometrists in the area, where private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and VA outpatient clinics provide employment opportunities. For part-time optometrists working three days a week, this rate translates into a substantial income that can easily support a comfortable lifestyle in California, even amidst the city's elevated cost of living index. The hourly earnings in Santa Rosa range from approximately $60.54 at the entry-level (10th percentile) to $112.74 for the highest earners (90th percentile), showcasing a wide array of potential for both new graduates and seasoned professionals seeking flexible or per-diem work scenarios.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60.54 | $484.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66.07 | $528.56 |
| Median (P50) | $81.85 | $654.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $110.14 | $881.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112.74 | $901.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Rosa
Based on $81.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $81.85/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Rosa, CA can expect to earn approximately $170,255 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $98,224. With a cost-of-living index of 107.78 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Rosa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Rosa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,274.13 | $14,188 | $170,255 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,964.48 | $8,513 | $102,153 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,309.65 | $5,675 | $68,102 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Santa Rosa) | $81.85 |
| 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 Rosa, CA earn a median of $170,255 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.08% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 22.20% above the California state average of $139,325.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $81.85/hr = $102,153/year (purchasing power: $94,775).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $170,255/year (purchasing power: $157,959).
CoL index: 107.784 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$63.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$79.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$81.85/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+32.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Santa Rosa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $74.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $65.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $62.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $73.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $79.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $79.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Santa Rosa grew 25.0% from $63.61/hr (2019) to $79.50/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $84.28/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 Rosa 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 Rosa
Optometrists looking to balance work with other life commitments will find part-time options beneficial, as an optometrist working 24 hours a week can still take home a solid annual income compared to full-time practitioners. Per diem roles are increasingly popular, with optometrists billing between $500-$800 daily at retail locations, and even higher for specialty practices, where day rates can reach up to $1,200. Hourly pay tends to fluctuate based on employer type; private practices may offer less than retail chains but often provide health benefits that appeal to some professionals. Understanding the compensation dynamics across different work settings in Santa Rosa can empower optometrists to negotiate effectively, especially when considering the trade-off between higher hourly wages and comprehensive benefits packages. Optometrists are encouraged to stay informed about current trends, including the expanding scope of practice that includes treatments for conditions like glaucoma, which may influence their positioning and earning potential in this competitive market.
More salary data for Santa Rosa, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Rosa. 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