Optometrists Jobs Pay in California, CA
Average Hourly Pay
Range: $68.68 - $75.55
Average Annual Pay
Range: $142,854 - $157,140
Methodology: These figures are estimated from limited publicly available salary data.
Average Hourly Pay
Range: $68.68 - $75.55
How much does an Optometrist make in California, CA?
The average annual salary for an optometrist in California, CA is $149,997 per year. If you prefer to look at it hourly, that works out to about $72.11 per hour. This is roughly equivalent to $2,885 per week or $12,500 per month, depending on hours worked.
Salary range for optometrists in California, CA
Optometrists salaries in California, CA can vary depending on experience, certifications, location within the state, and the type of work performed.
While some salaries can reach as high as $157,140, entry-level or lower-paid roles may start around $142,854 annually.
The difference between the lower and higher ends of the pay range for optometrists in California, CA — about $22,500 between the 25th and 75th percentiles — suggests there may be opportunities for optometrists to increase their earnings over time through additional training, certifications, and years of experience.
Top-paying cities for optometrists around California, CA
While the average salary for a optometrists in California, CA is $149,997 per year, some cities across the state offer higher earning potential.
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Higher than optometrists around California, CA
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Higher than optometrists around California, CA
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA
Higher than optometrists around California, CA
Modesto, CA
Higher than optometrists around California, CA
Chico, CA
Higher than optometrists around California, CA
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
Higher than optometrists around California, CA
Based on available salary data, 6 cities report average optometrists salaries above the statewide average.
Leading the list is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, followed by San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara and Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, which also rank among the top-paying locations for optometrists in the state.
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont stands out with optometrists earning around $16,424 more than the statewide average, or about 11% higher.
In San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara and Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, average salaries are about $13,476 higher than the California, CA average, representing roughly a 9% increase.
Because several cities offer salaries above the state average, optometrists may find opportunities to increase their earnings by working in higher-paying areas within California, CA.
Factors such as local demand for skilled professionals, cost of living, and the type of work available can influence these differences.
Optometrists pay in California, CA by experience level
Salaries for optometrists in California, CA often increase as professionals gain more experience, develop specialized skills, and take on greater responsibilities.
Entry-level optometrists (0-2 years) typically earn lower salaries while gaining practical experience and learning the basics of the role. At this stage, pay usually averages around $142,854 – $127,497 per year, depending on the employer, industry, and location.
Mid-level optometrists (3-6 years) often see higher earnings as they build expertise and may take on more complex tasks or independent work. Many professionals in this stage earn approximately $127,497 – $172,497 annually.
Experienced optometrists (7+ years) generally earn the highest salaries. With advanced skills, leadership responsibilities, or specialized knowledge, pay can reach $172,497 – $157,140 per year.
Key factors that affect pay of optometrists in California, CA
Several factors can influence how much optometrists earn in California, CA, even when the average salary is around $149,997 per year.
Experience level is one of the biggest drivers of pay. Entry-level workers typically earn closer to $127,497, while experienced professionals can make $172,497+ annually.
Location within the region also plays a role. In higher-paying cities salaries can be higher than the regional average due to stronger demand and local economic conditions.
Industry and specialization can further impact earnings. Professionals working in specialized areas or large-scale projects often earn more than those in entry-level or general roles.
Together, these factors create a wide salary range for optometrists in California, CA, giving experienced professionals opportunities to increase their earnings over time.
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