Optometrist Salary in Chico, CA: $144,031 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Chico, CA earns a median $144,031/year (≈ $69.25/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Chico's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 101.2), that paycheck buys what $142,327 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% above the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Chico, California presents compelling financial prospects for optometrists, with a projected median annual salary of $144,031 in 2026. This figure reflects not only the rising demand for optometry services but also the revenue potential from the OD/MD model of surgical co-management, which can significantly augment earnings for those in the area. The salary spectrum ranges from $101,776 at the 10th percentile to an impressive $343,413 at the 90th percentile, underscoring a diverse market where earning potential varies widely. These salary insights come from detailed analyses based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, indicating that career opportunities in Chico can offer substantial compensation that exceeds the national average by 2.43%.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $101,776 | $48.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $122,553 | $58.92 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $144,031 | $69.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $169,297 | $81.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $343,413 | $165.11 |
Median Salary Position
2.43% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chico
In Chico, CA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $241,637 (2026 est.). At $144,031, the local median is 2.43% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chico: You'd be in the entry-level range
How Chico Optometrist Pay Compares
Chico median: $144,031/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chico Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $139,295 | +3.40% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | +2.43% more |
Optometrists in Chico, CA earn a median of $144,031 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.43% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 3.40% above the California state average of $139,295.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chico has a cost of living 1.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chico, CA has a cost-of-living index of 101.197 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $144,031 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $142,327 — a 1.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$118,052
2025 BLS Actual
$139,890
2026 Current Est.
$144,031
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Chico (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $118,052 | Actual |
| 2020 | $120,920 | Actual |
| 2021 | $127,322 | Actual |
| 2022 | $128,643 | Actual |
| 2023 | $135,066 | Actual |
| 2024 | $131,540 | Actual |
| 2025 | $139,890 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $144,031 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $148,294 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chico metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $118,052 (2019) to $139,890 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $148,294 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,242 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chico 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) | $101,776 – $122,553 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $122,553 – $144,031 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $144,031 – $169,297 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $169,297 – $343,413 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Chico
In Chico, the job market for optometrists is bolstered by approximately 30 professionals in the field, reflecting a competitive yet stable environment for those considering their careers in optometry. The cost of living index stands slightly above the national average at 101.197, influencing the purchasing power of optometrists' salaries. Typically, private optometry practices, particularly those collaborating with ophthalmologists or working under the OD/MD model, tend to offer the highest compensation, while retail optical chains might provide more consistent job security but lower pay. Factors such as ownership equity in private practices, the influence of residency training in ocular disease, and the specifics of employment terms in private equity-acquired practices contribute to the notable pay discrepancies observed. To maximize earnings in Chico, aspiring optometrists should consider specializing in areas like glaucoma management and ocular disease, seek partnerships with higher-paying employers, and stay informed about shifts in the local market.
More salary data for Chico, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Chico?
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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 $139,890 for optometristsin the Chico 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, 2-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