Long Beach vs Los Angeles: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Long Beach, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Long Beach, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $143,527▲ | $143,053 |
| Hourly Rate | $69.00▲ | $68.78 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,246▲ | $75,717 |
| 25th Percentile | $116,296 | $131,325▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $181,636▲ | $166,188 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $222,468▲ | $215,732 |
| Total Employed | 89 | 2,360▲ |
Verdict
Long Beach, CA offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Long Beach and Los Angeles is $474 (0.33%). Long Beach's median is +2.07% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Long Beach spans $139,222,Los Angeles spans $140,015. Los Angeles has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced optometrists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Long Beach ($126,903 effective) pays 0.74% more than Los Angeles ($125,965 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Long Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($143,527/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($222,468)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $126,903)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,360 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Long Beach grew -26.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.5% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Long Beach, CA
$190,639 (2024) → $139,401 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$121,370 (2019) → $138,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Long Beach or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Long Beach and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from Long Beach to Los Angeles as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Long Beach vs Los Angeles?
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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