Optometrist Salary in Compton, CA: $138,003 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Compton, CA earns a median $138,003/year (≈ $66.35/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Compton's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $122,019 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Compton, California, can expect a median annual salary of $138,003, slightly below the national median of $140,612. The local salary range spans from $80,042 at the lower tenth percentile to $198,992 at the upper tenth percentile, illustrating a significant variance in compensation. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price differentials. In Compton's job market, the choice between operating a private practice, working as an employed associate, or joining a retail optical chain significantly impacts earning potential and job satisfaction. Navigating the Compton optometry landscape requires an awareness of these structural choices to ensure a lucrative career.
About the Compton Market
Salary estimated from California average ($160,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,042 | $38.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $114,105 | $54.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $138,003 | $66.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $164,594 | $79.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $198,992 | $95.67 |
Median Salary Position
1.86% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Compton
In Compton, CA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $118,950 (2026 est.). At $138,003, the local median is 1.86% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Compton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Compton Optometrist Pay Compares
Compton median: $138,003/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Compton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $139,397 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -1.86% less |
Optometrists in Compton, CA earn a median of $138,003 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.86% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.00% below the California state average of $139,397.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Compton has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Compton, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $138,003 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $122,019 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$113,112
2025 BLS Actual
$134,036
2026 Current Est.
$138,003
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Compton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $113,112 | Actual |
| 2020 | $115,860 | Actual |
| 2021 | $121,994 | Actual |
| 2022 | $123,260 | Actual |
| 2023 | $129,413 | Actual |
| 2024 | $179,229 | Actual |
| 2025 | $134,036 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $138,003 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $142,088 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Compton metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $113,112 (2019) to $134,036 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $142,088 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,976 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Compton 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) | $80,042 – $114,105 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $114,105 – $138,003 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $138,003 – $164,594 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $164,594 – $198,992 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Compton
With 25 optometrists currently employed in the area, the job market shows steady demand, yet the cost-of-living index of 113.1 indicates that expenses are higher than the national average. This factor affects take-home pay and purchasing power for optometrists in the region. Among the various employment options, private practices tend to offer the highest compensation, especially for those who take on ownership roles or partner with ophthalmologists in an OD/MD model, benefiting from shared surgical revenues. Conversely, retail chains like LensCrafters and Pearle Vision may offer lower salaries but provide more stable employment. The salary spread in Compton is influenced by factors such as residency training, especially in ocular disease, as well as the evolving dynamics following the acquisition of private practices by private equity firms. To maximize pay in Compton, optometrists should consider pursuing additional training and exploring opportunities that leverage the latest scope expansions, including glaucoma care and minor surgical procedures.
More salary data for Compton, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Compton?
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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 $134,036 for optometristsin the Compton 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
Salary data for Compton is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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