Optometrist Hourly Pay in Vallejo, CA: $77.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Vallejo, CA runs $77.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $160,566 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Vallejo's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $71.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $96,332 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
With a median hourly pay of $77.19, optometrists in Vallejo, California, enjoy a competitive wage compared to the national median of $67.60. This strong local rate enhances the appeal of both part-time positions and per diem work, allowing optometrists to find flexible employment in diverse settings, including private optometry offices, retail optical chains, and VA outpatient clinics. The hourly range spans from around $61.27 for entry-level positions to up to $109.82 for those in top earning tiers, reflecting varied levels of experience and the distinct environments in which these professionals practice, from bustling malls to specialized eye care facilities. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and reveal an encouraging trend for those entering the profession.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $61.27 | $490.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62.24 | $497.91 |
| Median (P50) | $77.19 | $617.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $108.96 | $871.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109.82 | $878.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Vallejo
Based on $77.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $77.19/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Vallejo, CA can expect to earn approximately $160,553 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $92,627. With a cost-of-living index of 108.48 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Vallejo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Vallejo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,087.56 | $13,379 | $160,553 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,852.54 | $8,028 | $96,332 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,235.03 | $5,352 | $64,221 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Vallejo) | $77.19 |
| 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 Vallejo, CA earn a median of $160,566 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.19% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 15.20% above the California state average of $139,380.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $77.19/hr = $96,332/year (purchasing power: $88,802).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $160,553/year (purchasing power: $148,004).
CoL index: 108.479 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$64.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$74.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$77.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+23.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Vallejo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $71.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $64.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $67.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $71.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $75.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $74.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Vallejo grew 16.7% from $64.26/hr (2019) to $74.97/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $79.47/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 Vallejo 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 Vallejo
Part-time optometrists who work three days a week, averaging 24 hours, can still achieve a comfortable income, taking home about $96,123 annually if they maintain the median hourly rate. Per diem optometrists in Vallejo can significantly boost their earnings, with rates varying by type of practice; for instance, those filling in at retail chains may bill $500-$800 per day, while ODs in MD practices may earn $700-$1,200 daily. Additionally, residency-trained ocular disease specialists at hospital systems might command $90-$130 per hour. Valuing benefits versus pay is crucial, as many optometrists opt for slightly lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance and job security. Negotiating hourly pay effectively means understanding the local market and being prepared to discuss additional compensations, like benefits and work-life balance, particularly in an evolving landscape where private practices increasingly compete with larger retail chains.
More salary data for Vallejo, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Vallejo in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Vallejo?
Are optometrists in Vallejo paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Vallejo?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Vallejo?
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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 Vallejo. 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