San Francisco vs Yuba City: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between San Francisco, CA and Yuba City, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Francisco, CA | Yuba City, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $146,800▲ | $138,257 |
| Hourly Rate | $70.58▲ | $66.47 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $110,970▲ | $80,189 |
| 25th Percentile | $132,715▲ | $114,620 |
| 75th Percentile | $178,388▲ | $165,095 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $227,902▲ | $200,220 |
| Total Employed | 1,180▲ | 10 |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Yuba City.
The salary gap between San Francisco and Yuba City is $8,543 (6.18%). 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,Yuba City spans $120,031. Yuba City 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, San Francisco ($126,975 effective) pays 3.87% more than Yuba City ($122,243 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 Yuba City 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 -25.2% growth in Yuba City over the same period.
San Francisco, CA
$122,310 (2019) → $142,580 (2025)
Yuba City, CA
$179,559 (2024) → $134,282 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Francisco, CA
Yuba City, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: San Francisco or Yuba City?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Francisco and Yuba City?
Should I relocate from San Francisco to Yuba City as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in San Francisco vs Yuba City?
Related Comparisons
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