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Average Optometrists Salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA

Optometrists in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $145,280, surpassing the national average of $141,560. This elevated compensation is often a reflection of the region's robust healthcare sector and a strong demand for specialized vision care professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $145,280 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $232,000.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 540 Optometrists and a Location Quotient of 1.3, the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad metropolitan area demonstrates a notable concentration of these professionals compared to the national landscape. This suggests a healthy and potentially growing job market for optometrists, indicating a demand that supports the current workforce size.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$145,280

The average Optometrists in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA earns+2.6%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$69.9

Weekly

$2,794

Monthly

$12,107

Optometrists Salary Distribution in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA

Salary progression for Optometrists in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad typically scales 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. These percentile gaps clearly signify career advancement opportunities and the increasing value placed on expertise within the profession.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$101,390$48.7
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$108,960$52.4
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$134,250$64.5
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$181,600$87.3
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$232,000$111.5

Detailed Optometrists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$145,280

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$145,280

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $145,280 for Optometrists in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the nominal salary offers a purchasing power that is equivalent to the national average, providing a stable financial foundation for residents.

Job Market Context

540

Total Jobs

0.354

Per 1K Jobs

1.3

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.30, San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Optometrists roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.3 indicates that Optometrists are 30% more concentrated in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad area than the national average. This suggests a competitive yet abundant job market where demand is slightly outpacing the national average, potentially leading to more opportunities and favorable compensation for qualified professionals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Optometrists

CitySalaryDist.
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA Optometrists Salary$139,740↓ 4%79 mi

Comparing salaries near San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA

Hiring Optometristss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Optometrists make in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA?

The median annual salary for a Optometrists in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA is $145,280. This typically ranges from $101,390 for entry-level positions to $232,000 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA is 2.6% higher than the national median of $141,560.

Is San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA a lucrative place for Optometrists?

Yes, it is a lucrative place for Optometrists.Optometrists in this region earn above the national average salary, and with a cost of living at the national average, their income offers strong purchasing power.

Is San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA a good place to live for Optometrists?

The Cost of Living Index in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($139,740) and others.

How does the San Diego Optometrist salary compare to the national average?

Optometrists in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad earn an average of $145,280 annually, which is higher than the national average of $141,560.

What is the cost of living in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad for Optometrists?

The cost of living index in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning your salary has average purchasing power.

Is there high demand for Optometrists in San Diego?

With a Location Quotient of 1.3, Optometrists are more concentrated in this area than the national average, suggesting a robust demand for their services.

How many Optometrists work in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad area?

There are approximately 540 Optometrists employed within the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad metropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 540 employees in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area with a job density of 0.354 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Top Jobs in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA

Semantic Salary Analysis for Optometrists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA