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Average Optometrists Salary in California

Optometrists in California earn an impressive average annual salary of $142,850, slightly surpassing the national average of $141,560. This elevated compensation is largely driven by California's robust economy, high demand for specialized healthcare services, and the state's generally higher cost of living, which necessitates competitive pay to attract and retain skilled professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $142,850 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $213,420.
  • Outlook: The job market for Optometrists in California appears robust, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 6,790 professionals. The Location Quotient of 1.38 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles in California compared to the national average, suggesting strong and sustained demand for optometric services within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$142,850

The average Optometrists in California earns+0.9%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$68.7

Weekly

$2,747

Monthly

$11,904

Optometrists Salary Distribution in California

Salary progression for Optometrists in California typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential throughout an Optometrist's career.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$71,860$34.5
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$107,138$51.5
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$137,070$65.9
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$178,563$85.8
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$213,420$102.6

Detailed Optometrists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$142,850

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$103,141

Adjusted for COL (138.5)

While the nominal average salary of $142,850 for Optometrists in California is attractive, it's crucial to consider the state's Cost of Living Index of 138.5. This means that living expenses are approximately 38.5% higher than the national average. Therefore, while the salary is substantial, the purchasing power may be somewhat tempered by the elevated cost of goods and services across the state.

Job Market Context

6,790

Total Jobs

0.376

Per 1K Jobs

1.38

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.38, California has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Optometrists roles compared to the national norm.

With a Location Quotient of 1.38, California exhibits a higher concentration of Optometrists than the national average. This suggests a competitive market where demand for skilled professionals is strong, potentially leading to more job opportunities but also requiring professionals to maintain high standards of practice and specialization to stand out.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Optometrists

CitySalaryDist.
Visalia, CA Optometrists Salary$134,550↓ 6%25 mi
Fresno, CA Optometrists Salary$139,410↓ 2%46 mi
Bakersfield-Delano, CA Optometrists Salary$133,990↓ 6%64 mi
San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA Optometrists Salary$149,060↑ 4%81 mi

Comparing salaries near California

Hiring Optometristss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Optometrists make in California?

The median annual salary for a Optometrists in California is $142,850. This typically ranges from $71,860 for entry-level positions to $213,420 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in California is 0.9% higher than the national median of $141,560.

Is California a lucrative place for Optometrists?

Yes, California is a lucrative place for Optometrists.The state offers an average annual salary of $142,850, which is above the national average, and a high concentration of jobs indicated by the Location Quotient.

Is California a good place to live for Optometrists?

The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near California?

Some top paying nearby cities include Visalia, CA ($134,550) and Fresno, CA.

How does California's Optometrist salary compare to the national average?

Optometrists in California earn an average of $142,850 annually, which is slightly higher than the national average of $141,560.

What is the concentration of Optometrists in California?

California has a Location Quotient of 1.38 for Optometrists, indicating that the profession is 38% more concentrated than the national average.

How does the cost of living affect an Optometrist's salary in California?

With a Cost of Living Index of 138.5, California is significantly more expensive than the national average, meaning the $142,850 salary needs to be considered in the context of higher living expenses.

What is the total number of Optometrists employed in California?

There are approximately 6,790 Optometrists employed in California, representing a substantial segment of the healthcare workforce.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 6,790 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.376 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Optometrists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California