Optometrist Hourly Pay in Alhambra, CA: $66.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Alhambra, CA runs $66.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $137,297 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Alhambra's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $58.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,378 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the optometrist hourly pay in Alhambra, California, is projected to be $66.01, slightly below the national hourly median of $67.60. This compensation reflects potential for part-time and per-diem optometrists, who typically work in settings such as private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains, and university teaching clinics. Part-time employees working three days a week might expect to earn around $3,168 weekly based on a 24-hour schedule, while per-diem rates vary widely. The hourly rate can range from $38.57 for entry-level positions to as much as $98.86 for those at the top end of the pay scale in Alhambra, illustrating a robust salary framework aligned with demand and the local cost of living.
About the Alhambra 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) | $54.17 | $433.34 |
| Median (P50) | $66.01 | $528.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78.27 | $626.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98.86 | $790.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Alhambra
Based on $66.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.01/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Alhambra, CA can expect to earn approximately $137,296 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,209. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Alhambra.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Alhambra
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,640.31 | $11,441 | $137,296 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,584.18 | $6,865 | $82,378 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,056.12 | $4,577 | $54,918 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Alhambra) | $66.01 |
| 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 Alhambra, CA earn a median of $137,297 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.36% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.50% below the California state average of $139,388.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.01/hr = $82,378/year (purchasing power: $72,836).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $137,296/year (purchasing power: $121,393).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$54.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Alhambra (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $85.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Alhambra grew 18.5% from $54.10/hr (2019) to $64.11/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.96/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 Alhambra 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 Alhambra
Considering the financial implications of working part-time or per-diem in Alhambra, the earnings for a three-day work week total to $164,736 annually, a significant amount compared to those who might opt for full-time employment. Per diem optometrists in retail settings can command fees ranging from $500 to $800 per day, while those in clinical or residency-trained roles may see pay between $700 and $1,200 daily. Factors such as workplace type drastically influence hourly rates; private practices might offer lower wages but come with benefits that larger chains may not provide. Optometrists can effectively negotiate pay by emphasizing their expertise, especially in areas like glaucoma management or advanced therapeutic techniques. Understanding the local market trends and employer benefits can empower optometrists in Alhambra to secure compensation that reflects their qualifications and expertise.
More salary data for Alhambra, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Alhambra in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Alhambra?
Are optometrists in Alhambra paid hourly or salary?
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Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Alhambra?
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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 Alhambra. 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 Alhambra 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