Optometrist Hourly Pay in Corona, CA: $68.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Corona, CA runs $68.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $141,995 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Corona's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $60.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $85,192 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Corona, California, are expected to earn a median hourly pay of $68.26, which slightly exceeds the national median of $67.60. This rate allows for meaningful income potential for both full-time and part-time practitioners. For those working three days a week, or taking on per-diem positions in diverse settings such as private optometry practices, retail optical chains like LensCrafters, and VA outpatient clinics, the hourly wage translates into significant earnings. With a pay range from $39.60 at the lower end (P10) to up to $105.81 for top earners (P90), optometrists can find viable opportunities across various employer types in Corona. These hourly rates stem from annual salary data, reflecting the growing demand for eye care professionals as optometry expands its scope of practice.
About the Corona 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) | $39.60 | $316.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.53 | $420.24 |
| Median (P50) | $68.26 | $546.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81.40 | $651.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105.81 | $846.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Corona
Based on $68.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.26/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Corona, CA can expect to earn approximately $141,986 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,915. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Corona.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Corona
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,730.50 | $11,832 | $141,986 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,638.30 | $7,099 | $85,192 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,092.20 | $4,733 | $56,794 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Corona) | $68.26 |
| 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 Corona, CA earn a median of $141,995 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.98% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.90% above the California state average of $139,348.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.26/hr = $85,192/year (purchasing power: $75,324).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $141,986/year (purchasing power: $125,540).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$55.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Corona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.31/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $88.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Corona grew 18.5% from $55.95/hr (2019) to $66.30/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $70.28/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 Corona 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 Corona
Exploring part-time opportunities further reveals that an optometrist working 24 hours a week can expect a considerable annual take-home compared to full-time counterparts. Those in per-diem roles often have the potential to earn anywhere between $500 and $1,200 per day, varying widely based on the setting, such as retail versus high-acuity practices. The preference for employers can also influence pay rates; private practice environments might offer steady hourly work with benefits, whereas retail chains may provide higher pay without job security. Residency-trained professionals often capitalize on specialized skills, attracting higher compensation in hospital systems. Optometrists should consider negotiation strategies tailored to hourly positions, weighing factors like benefits against higher pay rates. Understanding the optometrist hourly pay in Corona can help practitioners and students alike make informed career decisions.
More salary data for Corona, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Corona in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Corona?
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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 Corona. 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 Corona 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