Laguna Niguel vs San Francisco: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Laguna Niguel, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Laguna Niguel, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $135,288 | $146,800▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $65.04 | $70.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,467 | $110,970▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $108,666 | $132,715▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $166,174 | $178,388▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $203,627 | $227,902▲ |
| Total Employed | 16 | 1,180▲ |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Laguna Niguel.
The salary gap between Laguna Niguel and San Francisco is $11,512 (8.51%). San Francisco's median is +4.40% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Laguna Niguel spans $125,160,San Francisco spans $116,932. Laguna Niguel has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, San Francisco ($126,975 effective) pays 6.15% more than Laguna Niguel ($119,618 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Laguna Niguel if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($146,800/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($227,902)
- ✓Larger job market (1,180 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $126,975)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Laguna Niguel grew -25.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.6% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Laguna Niguel, CA
$175,704 (2024) → $131,399 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$122,310 (2019) → $142,580 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Laguna Niguel, CA
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Laguna Niguel or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Laguna Niguel and San Francisco?
Should I relocate from Laguna Niguel to San Francisco as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Laguna Niguel vs San Francisco?
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Written by Aisha Patel, OD
Career Analyst
Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.96% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov