Optometrist Hourly Pay in Vista, CA: $68.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Vista, CA runs $68.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $142,885 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Vista's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $60.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $85,731 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Vista, California, the optometrist hourly pay stands at a median of $68.69, slightly above the national hourly median of $67.60. This rate provides meaningful opportunities for both part-time and per-diem optometrists across various settings, including private practices, retail optical chains like LensCrafters, and VA outpatient clinics. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, the financial rewards can be significant, reflecting the hourly pay structure prevalent in the field. The hourly range extends from approximately $39.85 for entry-level positions to $103.11 for top earners, which underscores the potential for career advancement and increased earning power over time, particularly as optometrists expand their services with new techniques and treatment modalities.
About the Vista 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) | $39.85 | $318.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.37 | $427.00 |
| Median (P50) | $68.69 | $549.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84.04 | $672.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103.11 | $824.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Vista
Based on $68.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.69/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Vista, CA can expect to earn approximately $142,885 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $82,434. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Vista.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Vista
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,747.80 | $11,907 | $142,885 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,648.68 | $7,144 | $85,731 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,099.12 | $4,763 | $57,154 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Vista) | $68.69 |
| 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 Vista, CA earn a median of $142,885 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.62% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.50% above the California state average of $139,400.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.69/hr = $85,731/year (purchasing power: $75,801).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $142,885/year (purchasing power: $126,335).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$56.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Vista (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $89.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Vista grew 18.5% from $56.30/hr (2019) to $66.72/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $70.73/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 Vista 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 Vista
For optometrists choosing to work part-time, the dual realities of earning potential versus work-life balance come into play. A three-day-a-week schedule (24 hours) can yield an annual income that reflects a commitment to both professional development and personal life, breaking down to just over $104,000 outside of full-time roles. In contrast, per diem arrangements are even more lucrative; filling in at retail chains may command between $500 to $800 a day, while opportunities in clinical or specialized settings can stretch to as high as $1,200 daily. These dynamics vary notably by employer type; private practices often provide stability but with a lower hourly rate, whereas larger chains and hospital affiliations might offer more competitive compensation paired with varying benefit structures. As such, negotiating for pay involves weighing immediate financial gain against long-term benefits, a consideration important for any optometrist working in Vista's diverse environment.
More salary data for Vista, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Vista in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Vista?
Are optometrists in Vista paid hourly or salary?
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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 Vista. 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 Vista 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