Optometrist Hourly Pay in Apple Valley, CA: $66.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Apple Valley, CA runs $66.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $138,423 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Apple Valley's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $58.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $83,059 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the average hourly pay for an optometrist in Apple Valley, California, is projected to be $66.55, slightly lower than the national median hourly rate of $67.60. This figure is significant for those considering part-time positions, such as working three days a week, which would yield approximately $84,604 annually if working 24 hours per week. The various settings for optometrists include private exam rooms, retail optical chains, and university clinics, providing flexibility for those exploring per-diem opportunities. The hourly wage for entry-level positions starts at $38.60, while the most experienced optometrists can earn up to $96.36 per hour, indicating a substantial potential for earnings based on experience and practice type in Apple Valley.
About the Apple Valley 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) | $38.60 | $308.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55.27 | $442.15 |
| Median (P50) | $66.55 | $532.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79.67 | $637.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96.36 | $770.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Apple Valley
Based on $66.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.55/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Apple Valley, CA can expect to earn approximately $138,431 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,864. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Apple Valley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Apple Valley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,662.13 | $11,536 | $138,431 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,597.28 | $6,922 | $83,059 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,064.85 | $4,614 | $55,372 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Apple Valley) | $66.55 |
| 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 Apple Valley, CA earn a median of $138,423 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.56% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.70% below the California state average of $139,398.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.55/hr = $83,059/year (purchasing power: $73,438).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $138,431/year (purchasing power: $122,397).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$54.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Apple Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $86.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Apple Valley grew 18.5% from $54.55/hr (2019) to $64.64/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.52/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 Apple Valley 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 Apple Valley
For those considering part-time work, the earnings from a three-day workweek can provide a stable income while allowing for work-life balance, but it may not match the full-time earnings of their peers. Per-diem optometrists can earn between $500 to $800 daily at retail chains, while fill-in positions in OD/MD practices and hospital systems slightly enhance income, with rates ranging from $700 to $1,200 each day. The hourly rate can vary significantly across different employer types in Apple Valley, such as solo private practices versus large retail chains like LensCrafters or Walmart Vision. While some optometrists might prioritize higher hourly rates without benefits, others may choose positions that provide health insurance and job stability even if the pay is lower. Negotiating for optimal rates is vital; understanding the local job market dynamics and the value of benefits can help practitioners make informed choices about their careers in this evolving field.
More salary data for Apple Valley, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Apple Valley in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Apple Valley?
Are optometrists in Apple Valley paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Apple Valley?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Apple Valley?
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 Apple Valley. 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 Apple Valley 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