Optometrist Hourly Pay in West Sacramento, CA: $65.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in West Sacramento, CA runs $65.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $137,176 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against West Sacramento's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $58.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,300 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In West Sacramento, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to reach $65.95 in 2026, which positions it slightly below the national hourly median of $67.60. For those working part-time, which often encompasses a schedule of three days per week, this translates into a robust income compared to other professions. Many optometrists find employment in varied settings such as private practices, retail optical chains, and even outpatient clinics. Entry-level professionals may expect to earn around $38.25 per hour, while seasoned practitioners can command rates up to $98.67. These figures highlight the flexible earning potential for part-time and per-diem workers, who can negotiate rates based on their experience and the type of employer they partner with.
About the West Sacramento 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) | $38.25 | $306.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.05 | $432.43 |
| Median (P50) | $65.95 | $527.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80.65 | $645.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98.67 | $789.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Sacramento
Based on $65.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.95/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Sacramento, CA can expect to earn approximately $137,167 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,135. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in West Sacramento.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Sacramento
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,637.84 | $11,431 | $137,167 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,582.70 | $6,858 | $82,300 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,055.13 | $4,572 | $54,867 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (West Sacramento) | $65.95 |
| 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 West Sacramento, CA earn a median of $137,176 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.44% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.60% below the California state average of $139,406.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.95/hr = $82,300/year (purchasing power: $72,768).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $137,167/year (purchasing power: $121,280).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$54.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in West Sacramento (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $85.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in West Sacramento grew 18.5% from $54.05/hr (2019) to $64.05/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.90/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 West Sacramento 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 West Sacramento
The earning potential for part-time optometrists in West Sacramento is significant. For example, those working a 24-hour week would see annual earnings considerably lower than their full-time counterparts, yet still substantial, especially when factoring in per diem opportunities. Fill-in optometrists often take home between $500 and $800 per day at retail locations, while opportunities in OD/MD practices can yield $700 to $1,200 daily. For residency-trained professionals, a rate of $90 to $130 per hour frequently applies within hospital systems. Hourly rates can vary based on employer type, with private practices and chains like LensCrafters or Walmart Vision offering different compensation structures. The choice comes down to the benefits versus higher pay, as some optometrists opt for jobs providing health insurance, accepting reduced hourly rates for more security. For those negotiating their value, understanding the market in West Sacramento can provide leverage in salary discussions.
More salary data for West Sacramento, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in West Sacramento in 2026?
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Are optometrists in West Sacramento 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 West Sacramento. 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 West Sacramento 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