📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Optometrists Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · Medium Demand

Average
$186,858
per year
Median
$178,892
per year
Hourly
$89.84
per hour
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$105,313
25th Percentile — Junior$143,395
50th Percentile — Median$178,892
75th Percentile — Senior$229,079
90th Percentile — Top Earners$263,305
💡 Top-earning Optometristss in California make up to $263,305 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$152.1k
2021
$158.5k
2022
$165.2k
2023
$172.1k
2024
$179.3k
2025
$186.9k
2026
📈 Optometrists salaries in California have followed the national trend with 4.2% annual growth. The strong presence in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
🗺️
Optometrists Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $289,630 +55.0% Medium
San Diego $276,550 +48.0% Medium
San Jose $321,396 +72.0% Medium
San Francisco $345,687 +85.0% Medium
Fresno $201,807 +8.0% Medium
Sacramento $227,967 +22.0% Medium
Long Beach $270,944 +45.0% Medium
Bakersfield $201,807 +8.0% Medium
Anaheim $265,338 +42.0% Medium
Santa Ana $261,601 +40.0% Medium
Riverside $239,178 +28.0% Medium
Stockton $220,492 +18.0% Medium
Irvine $289,630 +55.0% Medium
San Bernardino $220,492 +18.0% Medium
Modesto $209,281 +12.0% Medium
Fontana $227,967 +22.0% Medium
Moreno Valley $214,887 +15.0% Medium
Glendale $276,550 +48.0% Medium
Fremont $298,973 +60.0% Medium
🔍
Optometrists Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Optometristss. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $186,858 per year, California's Optometrists salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $105,313–$143,395, while experienced Optometristss can command $229,079–$263,305.

Looking ahead, the Optometrists profession in California is projected to grow at 4.2% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Optometrists salary in California is $186,858 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $131,590.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Optometristss the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Optometrists employment.
  • At $186,858/year, California Optometrists salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $131,590/year.