Optometrist Hourly Pay in El Monte, CA: $68.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in El Monte, CA runs $68.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $142,964 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against El Monte's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $60.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $85,783 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In El Monte, California, the projected median hourly pay for optometrists is $68.74, which slightly exceeds the national median of $67.60. This competitive rate significantly benefits part-time optometrists working three days a week or those looking to secure per-diem positions in various settings, including private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and VA outpatient clinics. For those entering the profession, salaries range from $39.87 at the lower end (P10) to $103.43 for top earners (P90). Such an hourly pay structure offers flexibility, particularly for optometrists who may wish to balance work with further education or other commitments.
About the El Monte 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) | $39.87 | $318.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.45 | $427.57 |
| Median (P50) | $68.74 | $549.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84.03 | $672.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103.43 | $827.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in El Monte
Based on $68.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.74/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in El Monte, CA can expect to earn approximately $142,971 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $82,483. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in El Monte.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in El Monte
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,749.44 | $11,914 | $142,971 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,649.67 | $7,149 | $85,783 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,099.78 | $4,766 | $57,188 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (El Monte) | $68.74 |
| 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 El Monte, CA earn a median of $142,964 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.67% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.60% above the California state average of $139,341.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.74/hr = $85,783/year (purchasing power: $75,847).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $142,971/year (purchasing power: $126,411).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$56.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in El Monte (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $89.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in El Monte grew 18.5% from $56.34/hr (2019) to $66.76/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $70.77/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 El Monte 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 El Monte
Analyzing part-time opportunities, an optometrist in El Monte working only 24 hours a week could potentially take home a substantial income over the course of a year, albeit lower than full-time counterparts. Per diem optometrists find their earnings differ based on the setting; for instance, they might bill $500 to $800 daily at retail chains and even higher at OD/MD practices, ranging from $700 to $1,200 per day. This variance reflects the type of employment, as private practices may offer lower hourly rates with health benefits, while retail chains typically prioritize flexibility and higher hourly pay without such perks. Optometrists negotiating their rates should consider their experience level, the specific demands of their practice, and whether the benefits align with their professional and personal needs. Having clarity on these aspects can greatly influence their overall satisfaction and financial well-being in El Monte's evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for El Monte, 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 El Monte. 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 El Monte 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