Los Angeles vs Santa Cruz: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Santa Cruz, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Santa Cruz, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $143,053▲ | $125,766 |
| Hourly Rate | $68.78▲ | $60.47 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,717 | $85,426▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $131,325▲ | $119,300 |
| 75th Percentile | $166,188▲ | $156,952 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $215,732▲ | $169,719 |
| Total Employed | 2,360▲ | 50 |
Verdict
Los Angeles, CA offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Santa Cruz.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Santa Cruz is $17,287 (13.75%). 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,Santa Cruz spans $84,293. Los Angeles 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, Los Angeles ($125,965 effective) pays 10.07% more than Santa Cruz ($114,441 effective).
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 Santa Cruz 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 8.3% growth in Santa Cruz over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$121,370 (2019) → $138,940 (2025)
Santa Cruz, CA
$112,820 (2019) → $122,150 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Santa Cruz, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Los Angeles or Santa Cruz?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Santa Cruz?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Santa Cruz as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Los Angeles vs Santa Cruz?
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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