San Diego vs Fresno: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between San Diego, CA and Fresno, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Fresno, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,225 | $140,777▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $65.98 | $67.69▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $105,277▲ | $103,742 |
| 25th Percentile | $125,930▲ | $112,968 |
| 75th Percentile | $164,798 | $183,166▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $214,342 | $218,811▲ |
| Total Employed | 540▲ | 100 |
Verdict
Fresno, CA offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Diego.
The salary gap between San Diego and Fresno is $3,552 (2.59%). Fresno's median is +0.12% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Diego spans $109,065,Fresno spans $115,069. Fresno 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, Fresno ($137,803 effective) pays 12.36% more than San Diego ($122,646 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Larger job market (540 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Fresno if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($140,777/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($218,811)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $137,803)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in San Diego grew -26.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.0% growth in Fresno over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$181,050 (2019) → $133,280 (2025)
Fresno, CA
$114,930 (2019) → $136,730 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
Fresno, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: San Diego or Fresno?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Diego and Fresno?
Should I relocate from San Diego to Fresno as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in San Diego vs Fresno?
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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