Optometrist Hourly Pay in Newport Beach, CA: $65.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Newport Beach, CA runs $65.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $136,304 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Newport Beach's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $57.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,786 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Newport Beach, optometrists are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $65.53 in 2026, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $67.60. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this rate translates to a decent income while still allowing flexibility in scheduling. Per-diem workers in various settings, including private optometry offices and retail optical chains, can expect to see variable earnings; the hourly range starts at $38.00 for entry-level positions and goes up to $97.20 for the highest earners in the field. The estimated hourly wages in Newport Beach reflect the annual salary data in a way that illustrates both the entry and potential levels of achievement within this profession, paving the way for optometrists to enjoy diverse working conditions across different facilities.
About the Newport Beach 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) | $38.00 | $304.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.21 | $425.68 |
| Median (P50) | $65.53 | $524.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79.64 | $637.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97.20 | $777.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Newport Beach
Based on $65.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.53/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Newport Beach, CA can expect to earn approximately $136,311 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,641. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Newport Beach.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Newport Beach
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,621.36 | $11,359 | $136,311 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,572.82 | $6,816 | $81,786 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,048.54 | $4,544 | $54,524 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Newport Beach) | $65.53 |
| 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 Newport Beach, CA earn a median of $136,304 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.06% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.20% below the California state average of $139,370.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.53/hr = $81,786/year (purchasing power: $72,313).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $136,311/year (purchasing power: $120,522).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$53.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Newport Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $85.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Newport Beach grew 18.5% from $53.71/hr (2019) to $63.65/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.47/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 Newport Beach 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 Newport Beach
Turning to the part-time earning potential for optometrists, a practitioner working 24 hours a week would amass approximately $81,870 annually, providing a comfortable living without the full-time commitment. For per diem or locum positions, optometrists could earn between $500 to $800 per day at retail chains, with fill-in work at OD/MD practices yielding $700 to $1,200 daily; those with advanced training in ocular disease might bill $90 to $130 per hour in more specialized settings. The hourly rates fluctuate depending on the employer type in Newport Beach, with private practices, retail chains, and even military health systems each presenting unique value propositions. Some optometrists may prioritize a lower hourly rate for the benefits of health insurance, while others enjoy the financial upside of higher hourly pay without benefits. Those negotiating hourly wages should consider these factors carefully, weighing their need for stability against potential earnings in private practice or retail environments.
More salary data for Newport Beach, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Newport Beach in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Newport Beach?
Are optometrists in Newport Beach paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Newport Beach?
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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 Newport Beach. 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 Newport Beach 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