Optometrist Hourly Pay in Tustin, CA: $66.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Tustin, CA runs $66.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $139,195 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Tustin's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $59.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $83,521 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tustin, California, the projected optometrist hourly pay is $66.92, slightly below the national hourly median of $67.60. This hourly rate creates opportunities for both part-time optometrists working in various settings—such as private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and university clinics—and those seeking per-diem positions. For a typical part-time schedule of three days a week, this translates to around $1,146 per week before taxes, which can be an attractive option for those balancing work with other commitments. The hourly pay in Tustin ranges significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $38.82 and experienced professionals potentially earning up to $97.82 per hour, reflecting the demand for skilled practitioners in the area.
About the Tustin 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) | $38.82 | $310.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.02 | $416.12 |
| Median (P50) | $66.92 | $535.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80.45 | $643.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97.82 | $782.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tustin
Based on $66.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.92/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tustin, CA can expect to earn approximately $139,202 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,309. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tustin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tustin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,676.96 | $11,600 | $139,202 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,606.18 | $6,960 | $83,521 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,070.78 | $4,640 | $55,681 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Tustin) | $66.92 |
| 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 Tustin, CA earn a median of $139,195 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.01% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.10% below the California state average of $139,334.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.92/hr = $83,521/year (purchasing power: $73,847).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $139,202/year (purchasing power: $123,079).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$54.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Tustin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $86.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Tustin grew 18.5% from $54.85/hr (2019) to $65.00/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.90/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 Tustin 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 Tustin
When considering part-time opportunities in Tustin, optometrists who work three days a week can expect a substantial income, amounting to approximately $59,592 annually. For those opting for per-diem roles, the financial picture can be quite different; fill-in positions at retail chains frequently command rates between $500-$800 per day, while positions in OD/MD practices can yield $700-$1,200 daily depending on the complexity of services. Specialty roles, like residency-trained ocular disease optometrists, can earn hourly rates of $90-$130. Commercial practices such as LensCrafters or Walmart Vision typically pay lower rates compared to private optometry setups or military health systems, where job benefits may also sway earnings. Optometrists must weigh the trade-off between higher hourly rates without benefits and stable positions offering comprehensive health insurance. To negotiate effectively, understanding local market standards, membership benefits through organizations like AOA, and the potential for expanding practice opportunities due to evolving scopes of practice will serve as key factors in discussions.
More salary data for Tustin, 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 Tustin. 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 Tustin 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