San Jose vs Santee: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between San Jose, CA and Santee, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Jose, CA | Santee, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,336 | $140,310▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $66.99 | $67.46▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $138,347▲ | $81,380 |
| 25th Percentile | $138,347▲ | $110,409 |
| 75th Percentile | $174,157▲ | $170,053 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $213,869▲ | $202,249 |
| Total Employed | 580▲ | 9 |
Verdict
San Jose and Santee are closely matched on overall optometrist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between San Jose and Santee is $974 (0.70%). Santee's median is -0.21% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Jose spans $75,522,Santee spans $120,869. Santee 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 Jose ($126,184 effective) pays 1.71% more than Santee ($124,058 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Jose if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($213,869)
- ✓Larger job market (580 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $126,184)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Santee if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($140,310/year)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in San Jose grew 10.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -25.2% growth in Santee over the same period.
San Jose, CA
$122,740 (2019) → $135,330 (2025)
Santee, CA
$182,225 (2024) → $136,276 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Jose, CA
Santee, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: San Jose or Santee?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Jose and Santee?
Should I relocate from San Jose to Santee as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in San Jose vs Santee?
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