Optometrist Salary in Bakersfield, CA: $133,199 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Bakersfield, CA earns a median $133,199/year (≈ $64.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Bakersfield's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.9), that paycheck buys what $132,029 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.4% below the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Bakersfield, California, the average optometrist earns an estimated $133,199 per year in 2026, a figure that falls slightly below the national median of $140,612. The salary spectrum in this market ranges from approximately $102,939 at the lower end to $202,831 for those at the top of their field, providing substantial earning potential depending on experience and practice management. This data, derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) occupational employment statistics, reflects the competitive nature of the optometry workforce here. The job market has its nuances, including the impact of practice ownership versus working as an associate or within retail chains, which can significantly influence earning opportunities for optometrists in Bakersfield.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,939 | $49.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $123,367 | $59.32 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $133,199 | $64.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $163,954 | $78.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $202,831 | $97.51 |
Median Salary Position
5.27% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bakersfield
In Bakersfield, CA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $99,892 (2026 est.). At $133,199, the local median is 5.27% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bakersfield: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bakersfield Optometrist Pay Compares
Bakersfield median: $133,199/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bakersfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $139,330 | -4.40% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -5.27% less |
Optometrists in Bakersfield, CA earn a median of $133,199 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.27% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 4.40% below the California state average of $139,330.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bakersfield has a cost of living 0.89% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bakersfield, CA has a cost-of-living index of 100.886 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $133,199 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $132,029 — a 0.88% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$109,174
2025 BLS Actual
$129,370
2026 Current Est.
$133,199
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Bakersfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $109,174 | Actual |
| 2020 | $154,850 | Actual |
| 2021 | $121,490 | Actual |
| 2022 | $124,190 | Actual |
| 2023 | $122,670 | Actual |
| 2024 | $129,530 | Actual |
| 2025 | $129,370 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $133,199 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $137,142 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bakersfield metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $109,174 (2019) to $129,370 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $137,142 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,968 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bakersfield metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.96% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $102,939 – $123,367 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $123,367 – $133,199 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $133,199 – $163,954 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $163,954 – $202,831 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Bakersfield
With around 100 optometrists actively practicing in the Bakersfield area, the local market presents a blend of opportunities and challenges. The cost of living index stands at 100.886, slightly above the national average, which affects take-home income and purchasing power for optometrists. Employers vary widely in what they offer, with private optometry practices and ophthalmology groups typically providing higher compensation compared to retail optical chains. The disparity in salaries often stems from factors such as practice ownership equity, the potential for revenue-sharing arrangements in OD/MD models, and the qualifications of residency-trained optometrists. For those looking to maximize pay, it’s advantageous to pursue specialized training, establish connections within the community, and carefully evaluate employment contracts, particularly in the context of private equity acquisitions where terms may significantly alter post-employment earnings. Understanding these dynamics can help aspiring optometrists in Bakersfield shape their career paths strategically.
More salary data for Bakersfield, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $129,370 for optometristsin the Bakersfield metropolitan area. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.96%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for optometrists (SOC 29-1041).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov