Average Optometrists Salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
The average salary for a Optometrists in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $142,120. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market. Notably, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 1.28x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $142,120 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $206,740.
- Outlook: The current demand for Optometristss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 30 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Optometrists in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA earns+0.4%above the national average.
$68.3
$2,733
$11,843
Optometrists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Optometrists salaries in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 25.2%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Optometrists Salary Distribution in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
The earning potential for Optometristss in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 2.7x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $75,350, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $206,740.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $75,350 | $36.2 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $106,590 | $51.2 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $139,560 | $67.1 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $177,650 | $85.4 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $206,740 | $99.4 |
Detailed Optometrists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$142,120
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$142,120
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $142,120 to $142,120.
Job Market Context
30
Total Jobs
0.348
Per 1K Jobs
1.28
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.28, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Optometrists roles compared to the national norm.
30 people work as Optometrists in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA.
Only 0.348 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Optometrists roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Optometrists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Optometrists Salary | $156,530↑ 10% | 26 mi |
| Salinas, CA Optometrists Salary | $143,910↑ 1% | 30 mi |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA Optometrists Salary | $158,500↑ 12% | 58 mi |
| Modesto, CA Optometrists Salary | $147,100↑ 4% | 73 mi |
| Vallejo, CA Optometrists Salary | $161,170↑ 13% | 79 mi |
Comparing salaries near Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Hiring Optometristss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Optometrists make in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
The median annual salary for a Optometrists in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $142,120. This typically ranges from $75,350 for entry-level positions to $206,740 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is 0.4% higher than the national median of $141,560.
Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a good place for Optometristss?
Yes, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is an excellent location for Optometristss. It offers both higher-than-average salaries ($142,120) and a high concentration of job opportunities. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a good place to live for Optometrists?
The Cost of Living Index in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($156,530) and Salinas, CA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 30 employees in the Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA area with a job density of 0.348 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 Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA