Optometrist Hourly Pay in Union City, CA: $67.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Union City, CA runs $67.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $139,648 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Union City's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $59.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $83,791 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Union City, the optometrist hourly pay is projected at $67.14 for 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $67.60. This rate reflects the unique dynamics of the area, particularly in typical settings such as private optometry practices, retail optical chain locations, and VA clinics. For part-time optometrists working three days a week, this hourly rate can provide a viable income, making it feasible for many professionals to engage in per-diem work. Current estimates indicate that entry-level optometrists can expect to earn around $38.94 per hour, while more experienced professionals at the top of the pay scale may reach up to $96.13 per hour, showcasing a significant earning potential across the spectrum of this career in Union City.
About the Union City 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) | $38.94 | $311.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55.00 | $440.01 |
| Median (P50) | $67.14 | $537.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79.52 | $636.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96.13 | $769.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Union City
Based on $67.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.14/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Union City, CA can expect to earn approximately $139,652 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,568. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Union City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Union City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,685.61 | $11,638 | $139,652 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,611.37 | $6,983 | $83,791 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,074.24 | $4,655 | $55,861 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Union City) | $67.14 |
| 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 Union City, CA earn a median of $139,648 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.69% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.20% above the California state average of $139,369.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.14/hr = $83,791/year (purchasing power: $74,086).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $139,652/year (purchasing power: $123,476).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$55.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Union City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $87.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Union City grew 18.5% from $55.03/hr (2019) to $65.21/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.13/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 Union City 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 Union City
Part-time optometrists in Union City have the potential to earn a robust income, especially compared to those who work full-time. An optometrist working three days a week for 24 hours could take home approximately $83,690 annually. Per-diem options present even more attractive financial prospects, as fill-in optometrists at retail chains can charge between $500 and $800 daily, while those in OD/MD practices may bill $700 to $1,200 per day. Specialty roles, such as residency-trained ocular disease optometrists within hospital settings, have higher pay rates of $90 to $130 per hour as independent contractors. Rates can vary significantly based on employer type—ranging from private practices to retail chains like LensCrafters and Walmart Vision. Some may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits, while others may forgo stability for higher pay. Negotiating salary can also be context-dependent in Union City; highlighting niche skills or experience can enhance an optometrist's leverage in salary discussions.
More salary data for Union City, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Union City 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 Union City. 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 Union City 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