Optometrist Hourly Pay in Citrus Heights, CA: $66.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Citrus Heights, CA runs $66.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $138,731 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Citrus Heights's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $58.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $83,238 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Citrus Heights, CA, earn a median hourly rate of $66.70, which is slightly lower than the national hourly median of $67.60. This competitive pay allows for flexibility, particularly for those working part-time, such as professionals who choose to practice three days a week. In typical settings like private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains, and outpatient clinics, per-diem workers can earn between $38.68 and $97.05 per hour, depending on their experience and the type of employer. The disparity in hourly rates reflects not only the level of expertise but also the varying environments in which optometrists work, enabling entry-level practitioners to gradually build their earnings as they gain experience and take on more complex responsibilities within the field.
About the Citrus Heights 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) | $38.68 | $309.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.57 | $412.58 |
| Median (P50) | $66.70 | $533.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79.92 | $639.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97.05 | $776.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Citrus Heights
Based on $66.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.70/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Citrus Heights, CA can expect to earn approximately $138,731 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,037. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Citrus Heights.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Citrus Heights
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,667.90 | $11,561 | $138,731 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,600.74 | $6,937 | $83,238 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,067.16 | $4,624 | $55,492 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Citrus Heights) | $66.70 |
| 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 Citrus Heights, CA earn a median of $138,731 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.34% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.40% below the California state average of $139,289.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.70/hr = $83,238/year (purchasing power: $73,597).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $138,731/year (purchasing power: $122,662).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$54.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Citrus Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $86.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Citrus Heights grew 18.5% from $54.67/hr (2019) to $64.78/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.67/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 Citrus Heights 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 Citrus Heights
For a part-time optometrist working three days a week, their annual earnings can significantly differ from full-time income. Typically, a three-day workweek could yield around $104,088 annually, while fill-in optometrists often command impressive daily rates, billing $500 to $800 at retail chains, and even higher within medical practices, earning between $700 and $1,200 per day. Hourly rates may differ widely across employer types in Citrus Heights, with private practices generally offering competitive pay compared to retail chains like LensCrafters and Visionworks, or larger healthcare facilities. Some professionals opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for health benefits, particularly in solo practices where benefits may not be provided. For those negotiating hourly rates, focusing on the combination of experience, desired work-life balance, and workplace settings can lead to better compensation agreements tailored to their unique professional contributions.
More salary data for Citrus Heights, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Citrus Heights in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Citrus Heights?
Are optometrists in Citrus Heights paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Citrus Heights?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Citrus Heights?
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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 Citrus Heights. 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 Citrus Heights 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