Riverside vs Vallejo: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Riverside, CA and Vallejo, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Riverside, CA | Vallejo, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,838 | $160,566▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $64.35 | $77.19▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $107,253 | $127,434▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $114,522 | $129,462▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $165,704 | $226,646▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $212,437 | $228,427▲ |
| Total Employed | 510▲ | 90 |
Verdict
Vallejo, CA offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.
The salary gap between Riverside and Vallejo is $26,728 (19.97%). Vallejo's median is +14.19% 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,Vallejo spans $100,993. 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, Vallejo ($148,016 effective) pays 17.72% 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…
- ✓Larger job market (510 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Vallejo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($160,566/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($228,427)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $148,016)
- ✓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 16.7% growth in Vallejo over the same period.
Riverside, CA
$127,330 (2019) → $129,990 (2025)
Vallejo, CA
$133,650 (2019) → $155,950 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Riverside, CA
Vallejo, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Riverside or Vallejo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Riverside and Vallejo?
Should I relocate from Riverside to Vallejo as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Riverside vs Vallejo?
Related Comparisons
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