Sacramento vs San Francisco: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Sacramento, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $143,135 | $146,800▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $68.82 | $70.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $108,993 | $110,970▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $124,283 | $132,715▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $190,805▲ | $178,388 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $225,554 | $227,902▲ |
| Total Employed | 510 | 1,180▲ |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sacramento.
The salary gap between Sacramento and San Francisco is $3,665 (2.56%). San Francisco's median is +4.40% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sacramento spans $116,561,San Francisco spans $116,932. San Francisco 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, Sacramento ($134,185 effective) pays 5.68% more than San Francisco ($126,975 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $134,185)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($146,800/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($227,902)
- ✓Larger job market (1,180 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Sacramento grew 15.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.6% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Sacramento, CA
$120,210 (2019) → $139,020 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$122,310 (2019) → $142,580 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Sacramento or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sacramento and San Francisco?
Should I relocate from Sacramento to San Francisco as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Sacramento vs San Francisco?
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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