Optometrist Hourly Pay in Yucaipa, CA: $66.50 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Yucaipa, CA runs $66.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $138,323 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Yucaipa's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $58.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,994 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the optometrist hourly pay in Yucaipa, California, is projected to be $66.50, slightly lower than the national median of $67.60 per hour. This hourly rate reflects the competitive landscape of optometry, enabling practitioners working part-time—such as those dedicating three days a week—to earn a substantial income while allowing for flexibility in their schedules. With an hourly range spanning from $38.57 to $100.59, Yucaipa optometrists can find themselves in multiple practice settings, from private offices to retail optical chains, each offering varied compensation structures. These estimates are derived from broader annual salary data, indicating a well-compensated field that appeals to both full-time and part-time professionals.
About the Yucaipa 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) | $38.57 | $308.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55.17 | $441.33 |
| Median (P50) | $66.50 | $532.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81.99 | $655.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100.59 | $804.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Yucaipa
Based on $66.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.50/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Yucaipa, CA can expect to earn approximately $138,324 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,802. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Yucaipa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Yucaipa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,660.07 | $11,527 | $138,324 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,596.04 | $6,916 | $82,994 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,064.03 | $4,611 | $55,330 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Yucaipa) | $66.50 |
| 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 Yucaipa, CA earn a median of $138,323 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.63% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.70% below the California state average of $139,298.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.50/hr = $82,994/year (purchasing power: $73,381).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $138,324/year (purchasing power: $122,302).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$54.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.59/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.50/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Yucaipa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $86.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.59/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.50/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Yucaipa grew 18.5% from $54.51/hr (2019) to $64.59/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.47/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 Yucaipa 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 Yucaipa
Exploring the financial dynamics of practicing optometry in Yucaipa reveals significant opportunities for part-time work and greater flexibility through per-diem positions. An optometrist working a standard three-day week might take home an estimated income comparable to a full-time role when calculated on a per-diem basis. Many fill-in optometrists at retail chains can bill $500 to $800 per day, while those working in OD/MD practices might command rates from $700 to $1,200. Optometrists practicing in specialized hospital systems can earn between $90 and $130 per hour. It’s essential for practitioners to recognize how hourly rates can fluctuate depending on the employer type, such as solo practices versus larger chains like LensCrafters or military health systems. Many optometrists may choose positions that offer lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, leading to varied negotiations. Understanding the nuances of these opportunities can be invaluable in making informed career decisions in Yucaipa's optometry field.
More salary data for Yucaipa, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Yucaipa in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Yucaipa?
Are optometrists in Yucaipa paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Yucaipa?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Yucaipa?
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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 Yucaipa. 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 Yucaipa 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