San Francisco vs San Diego: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between San Francisco, CA and San Diego, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Francisco, CA | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $146,800▲ | $137,225 |
| Hourly Rate | $70.58▲ | $65.98 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $110,970▲ | $105,277 |
| 25th Percentile | $132,715▲ | $125,930 |
| 75th Percentile | $178,388▲ | $164,798 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $227,902▲ | $214,342 |
| Total Employed | 1,180▲ | 540 |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to San Diego.
The salary gap between San Francisco and San Diego is $9,575 (6.98%). 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 San Francisco spans $116,932,San Diego spans $109,065. San Francisco 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 Francisco ($126,975 effective) pays 3.53% 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 Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($146,800/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($227,902)
- ✓Larger job market (1,180 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $126,975)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in San Francisco grew 16.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -26.4% growth in San Diego over the same period.
San Francisco, CA
$122,310 (2019) → $142,580 (2025)
San Diego, CA
$181,050 (2019) → $133,280 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Francisco, CA
San Diego, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: San Francisco or San Diego?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Francisco and San Diego?
Should I relocate from San Francisco to San Diego as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in San Francisco vs San Diego?
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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