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Associate Optometrist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Associate Optometrist information

See California salary details

$64.1K

$122.6K

$182.6K

How much do associate optometrist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate optometrist in California is $122,587.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,700.00 and $144,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate optometrist?

Associate Optometrists are licensed eye care professionals who work under the supervision or partnership of a senior optometrist or within an optometry practice. They perform comprehensive eye exams, diagnose and treat visual problems, and prescribe corrective lenses or treatments. Associate Optometrists may also assist with patient education and manage certain eye diseases. This role is typically suited for optometrists early in their careers, offering opportunities for skill development and experience in a clinical setting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate optometrist?

To thrive as an Associate Optometrist, you need a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree, state licensure, and a strong background in vision assessment and ocular disease management. Familiarity with diagnostic tools such as autorefractors, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and electronic health records is typically required. Excellent interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and patient education abilities help you stand out in this role. These competencies ensure accurate diagnoses, effective patient care, and a positive clinical experience, which are critical for success in optometry practice.

What are some typical challenges an associate optometrist may encounter when transitioning from school to clinical practice?

Associate Optometrists often find the transition from academic settings to clinical practice challenging due to the increased patient volume, time management demands, and the need to quickly adapt to different practice management systems. Additionally, building rapport with patients and collaborating effectively with support staff and other healthcare professionals can require practice and strong communication skills. With experience, most new optometrists become more confident in their diagnostic abilities and develop efficient workflows that allow them to provide high-quality patient care.

What is the difference between Associate Optometrist vs Optometry Technician?

AspectAssociate OptometristOptometry Technician
CredentialsDoctor of Optometry (OD) licenseCertified or registered technician, no OD license
Work EnvironmentExam rooms, patient consultations, diagnosis, treatment planningPre-testing, assisting during exams, patient data collection
ResponsibilitiesDiagnose eye conditions, prescribe glasses/contact lenses, manage patient carePerform preliminary tests, assist with exams, prepare patients

Associate Optometrists hold a Doctor of Optometry degree and are licensed to diagnose and treat eye conditions, while Optometry Technicians support the clinical team by conducting tests and assisting during exams. Both roles are essential in eye care clinics, but their responsibilities and credentials differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optometrist jobs in California?

The most popular types of Optometrist jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Optometrist jobs in California?

For Associate Optometrist jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Associate Optometrist jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Optometrist jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Associate Optometrist jobs?

Cities in California with the most Associate Optometrist job openings:

Associate Optometrist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Optometrist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $122,587 per year, or $58.9 per hour.

Associate Optometrist, part time to full time

Rising Star Optometry

Alameda, CA • On-site

$72 - $85/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Provide comprehensive and specialty eye care to children and adults.

  • Perform clinical responsibilities such as eye examinations, pediatric and binocular-vision evaluations, myopia-management consultations, contact-lens evaluations, and diagnosis and management of ocular conditions.

  • Coordinate with the vision-therapy team, communicate with patients and families, and ensure accurate and timely clinical documentation.

Job description

Rising Star Optometry is a thriving, well-respected, independently owned specialty practice serving patients from across the Bay Area and beyond. We combine comprehensive optometric care with advanced services in pediatric vision, binocular vision, myopia management, vision therapy, neuro-optometric rehabilitation and sports vision.


Experience in these specialty areas is not required. Motivated candidates will receive training and mentorship.


We pride ourselves on providing exceptional eye care without sacrificing the time, thoughtfulness and personal relationships that make private practice rewarding.


Available Workdays

We are open to structuring this position around an exceptional candidate. Applicants may be considered for a part-time, location-focused role or a combined full-time position.

Available clinical days include:

  • San Francisco: Monday and Thursday
  • San Rafael: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday
  • Hours: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, including a paid one-hour lunch

Each clinical day consists of eight paid hours. Candidates may apply for two to five days per week. Possible arrangements include:

  • A two-day San Francisco position
  • A two- to four-day San Rafael position
  • A combined five-day full-time position across both locations

Saturday coverage is an important need for the San Rafael location, and candidates who can provide regular Saturday coverage will receive preference. Some scheduling flexibility may be possible for an exceptional candidate.

Our San Francisco practice is growing, and there may be opportunities to add additional San Francisco clinical days over time if desired.


The Position


The associate optometrist will provide comprehensive and specialty eye care to children and adults. Depending on experience and interests, clinical responsibilities may include:

  • Comprehensive eye examinations
  • Pediatric and binocular-vision evaluations
  • Myopia-management consultations and follow-up care
  • Contact-lens evaluations
  • Diagnosis and management of ocular conditions
  • Coordination with our vision-therapy team
  • Clear, compassionate communication with patients and families
  • Accurate and timely clinical documentation

We are looking for a doctor who values clinical quality, enjoys developing long-term patient relationships and wants to contribute to a collaborative private-practice environment.


Compensation and Benefits

$66–$85 per paid hour, depending on experience, schedule and benefit eligibility.

  • Full-time: $66–$72 per paid hour, equivalent to approximately $137,280–$149,760 annually
  • Full-time benefits: Medical and Delta Dental insurance, 401(k) employer match, professional liability insurance and 15 days of paid time off
  • Part-time: $72–$85 per paid hour, depending on experience, number of scheduled days and benefit eligibility; rates toward the upper end generally apply when health benefits are not included
  • Production bonus: Eligible associates may earn a quarterly bonus based on qualifying professional-service revenue, with the production threshold prorated according to the agreed number of clinical days


Qualifications
  • Doctor of Optometry degree from an accredited institution
  • Active California optometry license or eligibility for California licensure
  • Appropriate California therapeutic-pharmaceutical certification
  • Strong clinical judgment and communication skills
  • Commitment to attentive, individualized patient care
  • Interest in working with children and families
  • Interest in binocular vision, myopia management or specialty optometry is welcomed but not required


How to Apply

Please submit a CV and a brief introduction describing your clinical interests, preferred location and workdays, and what you are looking for in your next position to:

dr.shumaker@risingstarvision.com


Rising Star Optometry is an equal opportunity employer.

Apply