Average Optometrists Salary in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
The average salary for a Optometrists in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is $132,280. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $132,280 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $202,500.
- 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 Maria-Santa Barbara, CA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Optometrists in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA earns-6.6%below the national average.
$63.6
$2,544
$11,023
Optometrists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 3 years, Optometrists salaries in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA have shown healthy growth of 11.8%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Optometrists Salary Distribution in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
The earning potential for Optometristss in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 2.6x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $76,460, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $202,500.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $76,460 | $36.8 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $99,210 | $47.7 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $134,820 | $64.8 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $165,350 | $79.5 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $202,500 | $97.4 |
Detailed Optometrists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$132,280
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$132,280
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $132,280 to $132,280.
Job Market Context
30
Total Jobs
0.167
Per 1K Jobs
0.61
Location Quotient
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA has 0.61x the national average concentration of Optometrists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
30 people work as Optometrists in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA.
Only 0.167 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 Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA Optometrists Salary | $149,060↑ 13% | 26 mi |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA Optometrists Salary | $133,990↑ 1% | 85 mi |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA Optometrists Salary | $129,300↓ 2% | 88 mi |
Comparing salaries near Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
Hiring Optometristss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Optometrists make in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
The median annual salary for a Optometrists in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is $132,280. This typically ranges from $76,460 for entry-level positions to $202,500 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is 6.6% lower than the national median of $141,560.
Is Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA a good place for Optometristss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Optometrists salary in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is $132,280 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA a good place to live for Optometrists?
The Cost of Living Index in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA ($149,060) and Bakersfield-Delano, 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 Maria-Santa Barbara, CA area with a job density of 0.167 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 Maria-Santa Barbara, CA