Average Optometrists Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Optometrists in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $158,500, significantly surpassing the national average of $141,560. This elevated compensation is largely driven by the region's high demand for specialized healthcare professionals and the overall economic vitality of the Bay Area. The concentration of healthcare facilities and a population with a strong emphasis on preventative care further contribute to this lucrative market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $158,500 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $217,590.
- Outlook: The job market for Optometrists in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont appears robust, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.5, suggesting a higher concentration of these professionals than the national average. With a local workforce of 980 Optometrists, the demand is substantial enough to support this concentration, pointing towards a stable and potentially growing employment landscape for the profession within this metropolitan area.
Salary Overview
The average Optometrists in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA earns+12.0%above the national average.
$76.2
$3,048
$13,208
Optometrists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Optometrists in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. Factors such as increasing healthcare needs, advancements in optometric technology, and the general economic expansion of the region likely contribute to upward pressure on compensation, reflecting a positive trend in earning potential.
Optometrists Salary Distribution in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Career progression for Optometrists in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont is typically marked by a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or in leadership roles can command salaries well into the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $84,920 | $40.8 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $118,875 | $57.2 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $157,750 | $75.8 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $198,125 | $95.3 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $217,590 | $104.6 |
Detailed Optometrists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$158,500
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$158,500
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $158,500 for Optometrists in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is high, the purchasing power of that income is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, while the salary is substantial, the cost of living does not offer an additional advantage in terms of disposable income compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
980
Total Jobs
0.409
Per 1K Jobs
1.5
Location Quotient
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA has 1.5x the national concentration of Optometrists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A Location Quotient of 1.5 indicates that Optometrists are 50% more concentrated in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont area than the national average. This suggests a competitive market where demand is strong enough to attract and retain a significant number of professionals. While this concentration implies a healthy job market, it also means that job seekers may face more competition for available positions compared to less concentrated regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Optometrists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Vallejo, CA Optometrists Salary | $161,170↑ 2% | 27 mi |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Optometrists Salary | $156,530↓ 1% | 42 mi |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA Optometrists Salary | $163,460↑ 3% | 50 mi |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA Optometrists Salary | $142,120↓ 10% | 58 mi |
Comparing salaries near San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Optometrists make in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?
The median annual salary for a Optometrists in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is $158,500. This typically ranges from $84,920 for entry-level positions to $217,590 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is 12.0% higher than the national median of $141,560.
Is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA a lucrative place for Optometrists?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Optometrists.Optometrists earn significantly above the national average salary, and while the cost of living is also at the national average, the high nominal wage offers strong earning potential.
Is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA a good place to live for Optometrists?
The Cost of Living Index in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Vallejo, CA ($161,170) and San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA.
How does the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont salary compare to the national average?
Optometrists in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont earn an average of $158,500 annually, which is notably higher than the national average of $141,560.
What is the Cost of Living in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?
The Cost of Living Index for San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How concentrated are Optometrists in this region compared to the nation?
The Location Quotient of 1.5 indicates that Optometrists are 50% more concentrated in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont than the national average, suggesting a strong presence of the profession.
What is the total number of Optometrists in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont area?
There are approximately 980 Optometrists employed within the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont 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 980 employees in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area with a job density of 0.409 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Optometrists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA