Optometrist Hourly Pay in Chino Hills, CA: $67.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Chino Hills, CA runs $67.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $139,592 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Chino Hills's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $59.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $83,752 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chino Hills, California, an optometrist earns a median hourly rate of $67.11, which is slightly lower than the national median of $67.60. This competitive hourly pay offers various opportunities for different working arrangements. Part-time optometrists working three days a week can expect to earn around $42,923 annually if they maintain a 24-hour work schedule. Per-diem roles in retail settings or outpatient clinics hold potential as well, with rates varying significantly across different environments. Entry-level optometrists can expect to start at approximately $38.93 per hour, while top earners may make up to $98.31 an hour in Chino Hills. These figures are significant for those considering flexible work arrangements or exploring different practice settings, including private, corporate, and teaching clinics.
About the Chino Hills 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) | $38.93 | $311.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.39 | $419.09 |
| Median (P50) | $67.11 | $536.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80.97 | $647.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98.31 | $786.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chino Hills
Based on $67.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.11/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chino Hills, CA can expect to earn approximately $139,587 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,531. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chino Hills.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chino Hills
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,684.37 | $11,632 | $139,587 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,610.62 | $6,979 | $83,752 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,073.75 | $4,653 | $55,835 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Chino Hills) | $67.11 |
| 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 Chino Hills, CA earn a median of $139,592 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.73% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.20% above the California state average of $139,314.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.11/hr = $83,752/year (purchasing power: $74,052).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $139,587/year (purchasing power: $123,419).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$55.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Chino Hills (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $87.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Chino Hills grew 18.5% from $55.00/hr (2019) to $65.18/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.10/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 Chino Hills 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 Chino Hills
For those in part-time positions, the financial implications can vary considerably. An optometrist working three days per week will enjoy the benefit of a more flexible schedule while potentially earning less overall compared to full-time peers. Per diem optometrists may find appealing rates in various locations, charging between $500 and $800 per day at retail chains, while those filling in at medical practices can command between $700 and $1,200 daily. However, rates can fluctuate based on the type of employer in Chino Hills, with private practices providing comparable hourly rates to the retail chains, but often with better benefits. Negotiating an hourly rate varies widely; for example, opting for higher hourly wages at locations without health insurance may affect total compensation and job satisfaction. Optometrists should assess not only the monetary benefits but also the support systems offered by employers to make an informed decision about their professional path.
More salary data for Chino Hills, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Chino Hills in 2026?
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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 Chino Hills. 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 Chino Hills 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