Optometrist Hourly Pay in Chico, CA: $69.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Chico, CA runs $69.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $144,031 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Chico's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.2, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $68.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $86,425 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Chico, California, the optometrist hourly pay reaches a median of $69.25, which is slightly above the national hourly median of $67.60. This advantageous rate not only reflects the value of comprehensive eye care provided by optometrists but also offers attractive earning potential for part-time and per-diem professionals in various settings, such as private practice, retail optical chain stores, and university clinics. Optometrists in entry-level positions can expect to earn around $48.93 per hour, while experienced practitioners can see earnings soaring to $165.11 per hour. This data, sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, highlights the competitive atmosphere in Chico's market, where optometrists can enjoy flexible work arrangements while still maintaining a strong hourly income.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48.93 | $391.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58.92 | $471.39 |
| Median (P50) | $69.25 | $554.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81.39 | $651.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $165.11 | $1320.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chico
Based on $69.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $69.25/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chico, CA can expect to earn approximately $144,042 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $83,101. With a cost-of-living index of 101.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chico.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chico
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,770.04 | $12,003 | $144,042 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,662.02 | $7,202 | $86,425 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,108.01 | $4,801 | $57,617 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Chico) | $69.25 |
| 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 Chico, CA earn a median of $144,031 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.43% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 3.40% above the California state average of $139,295.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $69.25/hr = $86,425/year (purchasing power: $85,403).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $144,042/year (purchasing power: $142,338).
CoL index: 101.197 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$56.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$67.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$69.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Chico (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $67.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Chico grew 18.5% from $56.76/hr (2019) to $67.26/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $71.30/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 Chico 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 Chico
Exploring the financial landscape for part-time optometrists reveals intriguing earnings dynamics. A professional working three days a week, totaling 24 hours, would take home approximately $86,183 annually, which contrasts sharply with full-time earnings. For those choosing per-diem work, the pay can be quite lucrative, ranging from $500 to $1,200 per day depending on the practice setting. Prices often vary among different employers such as private optometry offices, retail chains like LensCrafters and Walmart Vision, and larger medical facilities. While some may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for job security and benefits, others prioritize higher hourly rates available in contract or locum tenens positions. Understanding these differences, along with proactive negotiation strategies tailored to the Chico job market, can help emerging ODs—whether residency-trained or not—maximize their earning potential moving forward.
More salary data for Chico, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Chico. 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, 2-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