Optometrist Hourly Pay in South Gate, CA: $65.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in South Gate, CA runs $65.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $137,253 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against South Gate's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $58.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,352 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Gate, California, an optometrist's hourly pay is projected to be $65.99 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $67.60 per hour. For those seeking part-time work or per-diem opportunities, this hourly rate makes the profession accessible as they can earn a competitive wage working just three days a week. Part-time optometrists often find themselves in diverse settings ranging from private practices to retail optical chains or even across governmental and educational institutions. The hourly pay scale in South Gate varies, with entry-level optometrists starting around $38.27, while experienced practitioners can command rates as high as $98.79. It’s essential to recognize that these figures are estimations derived from annual salary data, reflecting an emerging trend in the local market for optometrists.
About the South Gate 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) | $38.27 | $306.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.68 | $421.48 |
| Median (P50) | $65.99 | $527.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80.73 | $645.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98.79 | $790.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Gate
Based on $65.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.99/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Gate, CA can expect to earn approximately $137,253 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,184. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in South Gate.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Gate
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,639.48 | $11,438 | $137,253 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,583.69 | $6,863 | $82,352 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,055.79 | $4,575 | $54,901 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (South Gate) | $65.99 |
| 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 South Gate, CA earn a median of $137,253 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.39% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.50% below the California state average of $139,343.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.99/hr = $82,352/year (purchasing power: $72,813).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $137,253/year (purchasing power: $121,356).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$54.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in South Gate (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $85.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in South Gate grew 18.5% from $54.08/hr (2019) to $64.09/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.94/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 South Gate 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 South Gate
When considering part-time work, a typical 3-day workweek amounting to 24 hours translates into an annual income significantly less than that of full-time optometrists. However, per-diem positions are notably lucrative; optometrists filling in at retail chains often bill $500-$800 per day, while those in OD/MD practices can see daily rates range from $700 to $1,200. Meanwhile, residency-trained ocular disease optometrists in hospital systems can expect to earn between $90 and $130 per hour on a 1099 basis. Differences in hourly compensation are also apparent across various employer types in South Gate, with private practices, retail chains like LensCrafters, and vision insurance plans offering varying rates. The trade-off between lower hourly pay for companies that provide health benefits versus higher hourly rates with no benefits is a crucial consideration for many. For those negotiating hourly pay, being informed about the market and the specific needs of each employer can lead to better outcomes, as employers often value flexibility and experience.
More salary data for South Gate, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in South Gate in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in South Gate?
Are optometrists in South Gate paid hourly or salary?
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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 South Gate. 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 South Gate 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