Average Optometrists Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Optometrists in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $156,530, significantly exceeding the national average of $141,560. This elevated compensation is likely driven by the region's high demand for specialized healthcare professionals and the concentration of economic activity that supports higher wage structures.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $156,530 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.1% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $210,110.
- Outlook: The local job market for Optometrists in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, appears robust, characterized by a total workforce of 380 professionals. The Location Quotient of 1.22 indicates a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a sustained demand and a potentially stable job market for skilled optometrists in this metropolitan area.
Salary Overview
The average Optometrists in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA earns+10.6%above the national average.
$75.3
$3,010
$13,044
Optometrists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Optometrists in a high-demand, high-cost-of-living area like San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing healthcare compensation.
Optometrists Salary Distribution in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Career progression for Optometrists in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While specific percentile data is unavailable, the typical salary range, with higher earners commanding substantially more than the average, signifies clear opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential based on experience and specialization.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $104,000 | $50 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $117,398 | $56.4 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $149,340 | $71.8 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $195,663 | $94.1 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $210,110 | $101 |
Detailed Optometrists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$156,530
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$156,530
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $156,530 for Optometrists in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, is particularly attractive given the local Cost of Living Index is exactly at the national average of 100. This means that the higher nominal salary translates directly into strong purchasing power, allowing professionals to maintain a comparable or even improved standard of living compared to their national counterparts.
Job Market Context
380
Total Jobs
0.332
Per 1K Jobs
1.22
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.22, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Optometrists roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.22, the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA metropolitan area demonstrates a notable concentration of Optometrist roles relative to the national landscape. This suggests that the job market is more specialized and potentially more competitive for employers seeking talent, while also indicating a healthy demand for optometrists within the region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Optometrists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA Optometrists Salary | $142,120↓ 9% | 26 mi |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA Optometrists Salary | $158,500↑ 1% | 42 mi |
| Salinas, CA Optometrists Salary | $143,910↓ 8% | 47 mi |
| Modesto, CA Optometrists Salary | $147,100↓ 6% | 53 mi |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA Optometrists Salary | $140,340↓ 10% | 54 mi |
Comparing salaries near San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Optometrists make in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
The median annual salary for a Optometrists in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is $156,530. This typically ranges from $104,000 for entry-level positions to $210,110 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is 10.6% higher than the national median of $141,560.
Is San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA a lucrative place for Optometrists?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative area for Optometrists.Optometrists in this region earn significantly above the national average salary, and with a cost of living at the national average, their earnings offer substantial purchasing power.
Is San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA a good place to live for Optometrists?
The Cost of Living Index in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($142,120) and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA.
How does the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA salary compare to the national average?
Optometrists in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, earn an average of $156,530 annually, which is $14,970 more than the national average of $141,560.
What is the concentration of Optometrists in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.22, indicating that Optometrists are 22% more concentrated in this area than the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the value of an Optometrist's salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
No, the cost of living in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, is at the national average (100), meaning the higher salary translates directly to strong real income and purchasing power.
How many Optometrists work in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area?
There are approximately 380 Optometrists employed within the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 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 380 employees in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area with a job density of 0.332 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 Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA