Riverside vs Bakersfield: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Riverside, CA and Bakersfield, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Riverside, CA | Bakersfield, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,838▲ | $133,199 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.35▲ | $64.04 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $107,253▲ | $102,939 |
| 25th Percentile | $114,522 | $123,367▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $165,704▲ | $163,954 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $212,437▲ | $202,831 |
| Total Employed | 510▲ | 100 |
Verdict
Riverside, CA offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bakersfield.
The salary gap between Riverside and Bakersfield is $639 (0.48%). Riverside's median is -4.82% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Riverside spans $105,184,Bakersfield spans $99,892. Riverside 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, Bakersfield ($132,029 effective) pays 5.00% more than Riverside ($125,738 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,838/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($212,437)
- ✓Larger job market (510 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Bakersfield if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $132,029)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Riverside grew 2.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -16.5% growth in Bakersfield over the same period.
Riverside, CA
$127,330 (2019) → $129,990 (2025)
Bakersfield, CA
$154,850 (2020) → $129,370 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Riverside, CA
Bakersfield, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Riverside or Bakersfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Riverside and Bakersfield?
Should I relocate from Riverside to Bakersfield as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Riverside vs Bakersfield?
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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