Optometrist Hourly Pay in Manteca, CA: $65.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Manteca, CA runs $65.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $136,215 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Manteca's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $57.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,735 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Manteca, California, the projected median hourly pay for optometrists is $65.49, which is slightly lower than the national median of $67.60. This compensation affects various employment arrangements, particularly for those seeking part-time work. For example, an optometrist working three days a week might experience a notable shift to their financial dynamics compared to full-time colleagues, allowing for a flexible lifestyle while still earning a substantial income. The hourly pay can vary widely, ranging from $37.98 at the entry level to about $97.06 for seasoned professionals, highlighting the diverse opportunities available in different settings, whether in private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains, or university clinics. These estimates are derived from projected annual salary data, emphasizing the variability based on experience and job location.
About the Manteca 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) | $37.98 | $303.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.13 | $425.02 |
| Median (P50) | $65.49 | $523.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79.54 | $636.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97.06 | $776.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Manteca
Based on $65.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.49/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Manteca, CA can expect to earn approximately $136,225 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,591. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Manteca.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Manteca
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,619.71 | $11,352 | $136,225 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,571.83 | $6,811 | $81,735 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,047.89 | $4,541 | $54,490 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Manteca) | $65.49 |
| 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 Manteca, CA earn a median of $136,215 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.13% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.20% below the California state average of $139,279.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.49/hr = $81,735/year (purchasing power: $72,268).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $136,225/year (purchasing power: $120,447).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$53.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Manteca (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $85.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Manteca grew 18.5% from $53.68/hr (2019) to $63.61/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.43/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 Manteca 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 Manteca
For a three-day-per-week schedule totaling around 24 hours, an optometrist in Manteca could realize an annual income around $81,155, which still provides a comfortable living but differs significantly from working full-time. The per diem model also presents lucrative options. Fill-in optometrists at retail chains can command between $500 and $800 per day, while those at OD/MD practice settings generally earn between $700 and $1,200 daily. Plus, residency-trained ocular disease optometrists at hospital systems may achieve rates as high as $130 per hour. However, the hourly pay varies based on the employer, with private practices and retail chains often offering different rates. Some optometrists may opt for lower hourly wages to gain benefits like health insurance, while others might prefer higher pay devoid of such perks. When negotiating hourly rates in Manteca, consider the specific setting, trust in your expertise, and be ready to discuss your qualifications to secure the best possible compensation.
More salary data for Manteca, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Manteca in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Manteca?
Are optometrists in Manteca paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Manteca?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Manteca?
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 Manteca. 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 Manteca 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