San Diego vs Riverside: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between San Diego, CA and Riverside, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,225▲ | $133,838 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.98▲ | $64.35 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $105,277 | $107,253▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $125,930▲ | $114,522 |
| 75th Percentile | $164,798 | $165,704▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $214,342▲ | $212,437 |
| Total Employed | 540▲ | 510 |
Verdict
San Diego, CA offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.
The salary gap between San Diego and Riverside is $3,387 (2.53%). San Diego's median is -2.41% 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,Riverside spans $105,184. San Diego 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, Riverside ($125,738 effective) pays 2.52% 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…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,225/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($214,342)
- ✓Larger job market (540 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $125,738)
- ✓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 2.1% growth in Riverside over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$181,050 (2019) → $133,280 (2025)
Riverside, CA
$127,330 (2019) → $129,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
Riverside, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: San Diego or Riverside?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Diego and Riverside?
Should I relocate from San Diego to Riverside as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in San Diego vs Riverside?
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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