Optometrist Salary

Los Angeles vs Oxnard: Optometrist Salary (2026)

Compare optometrist salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Oxnard, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Los Angeles, CA
$143,053
$68.78/hr
Oxnard, CA
$132,973
$63.93/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLos Angeles, CAOxnard, CA
Median Salary$143,053$132,973
Hourly Rate$68.78$63.93
Entry Level (P10)$75,717$106,862
25th Percentile$131,325$126,105
75th Percentile$166,188$169,349
Top Earner (P90)$215,732$209,802
Total Employed2,360120
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Los Angeles ($143,053) and Oxnard ($132,973) optometrist salaries.Los AngelesOxnardMedian Salary$143,053$132,973Entry Level (P10)$75,717$106,862Top Earner (P90)$215,732$209,802US Median $140,612

Verdict

Los Angeles, CA offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Oxnard.

The salary gap between Los Angeles and Oxnard is $10,080 (7.58%). Los Angeles's median is +1.74% compared to the US national median of $140,612.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $140,015,Oxnard spans $102,940. Los Angeles has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Los Angeles
P10 (Entry)$75,717
P25$131,325
Median$143,053
P75$166,188
P90 (Top)$215,732
Oxnard
P10 (Entry)$106,862
P25$126,105
Median$132,973
P75$169,349
P90 (Top)$209,802

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Los Angeles ($125,965 effective) pays 4.71% more than Oxnard ($120,301 effective).

Los Angeles
Nominal: $143,053
CoL Index: 113.566
Adjusted: $125,965
Oxnard
Nominal: $132,973
CoL Index: 110.534
Adjusted: $120,301

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Los Angeles if…

  • Higher median salary ($143,053/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($215,732)
  • Larger job market (2,360 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $125,965)
  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Choose Oxnard if…

  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Los Angeles grew 14.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.1% growth in Oxnard over the same period.

Los Angeles, CA

+14.5%

$121,370 (2019) → $138,940 (2025)

Oxnard, CA

+31.1%

$98,530 (2019) → $129,150 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays optometrists more: Los Angeles or Oxnard?

Los Angeles has a higher median optometrist salary at $143,053/year, compared to Oxnard at $132,973/year — a difference of $10,080 (7.58%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Oxnard?

Los Angeles optometrists earn $68.78/hr while Oxnard hygienists earn $63.93/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Oxnard as a optometrist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Los Angeles and Oxnard. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Los Angeles = $125,965, Oxnard = $120,301), job availability (2,360 vs 120 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level optometrists earn in Los Angeles vs Oxnard?

Entry-level (10th percentile) optometrists earn $75,717 in Los Angeles and $106,862 in Oxnard. The Oxnard area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Rajiv Kumar, ODData verified by Sofia Martinez, OD

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