San Diego vs San Jose: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between San Diego, CA and San Jose, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | San Jose, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,225 | $139,336▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $65.98 | $66.99▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $105,277 | $138,347▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $125,930 | $138,347▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $164,798 | $174,157▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $214,342▲ | $213,869 |
| Total Employed | 540 | 580▲ |
Verdict
San Jose, CA offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Diego.
The salary gap between San Diego and San Jose is $2,111 (1.54%). San Jose's median is -0.91% 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,San Jose spans $75,522. 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, San Jose ($126,184 effective) pays 2.88% 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…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($214,342)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Jose if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($139,336/year)
- ✓Larger job market (580 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $126,184)
- ✓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 10.3% growth in San Jose over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$181,050 (2019) → $133,280 (2025)
San Jose, CA
$122,740 (2019) → $135,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
San Jose, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: San Diego or San Jose?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Diego and San Jose?
Should I relocate from San Diego to San Jose as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in San Diego vs San Jose?
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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