Optometrist Salary in El Cajon, CA: $138,607 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in El Cajon, CA earns a median $138,607/year (≈ $66.64/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in El Cajon's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $122,553 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.5% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $138,607 for 2026, the optometrist salary in El Cajon, CA, reflects the region's favorable scope of practice, which includes managing glaucoma and prescribing oral medications. Salary figures range significantly from $80,392 at the 10th percentile to $208,813 at the 90th percentile, showcasing a diverse job market for optometrists in the area. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional price variations, illustrate how local conditions can affect compensation. El Cajon’s optometrists can leverage this landscape by aligning their offerings with the expanding scope of care, particularly as patients seek more comprehensive treatment options.
About the El Cajon Market
Salary estimated from California average ($160,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,392 | $38.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $107,915 | $51.88 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $138,607 | $66.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $169,579 | $81.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $208,813 | $100.39 |
Median Salary Position
1.43% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in El Cajon
In El Cajon, CA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $128,421 (2026 est.). At $138,607, the local median is 1.43% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in El Cajon: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How El Cajon Optometrist Pay Compares
El Cajon median: $138,607/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | El Cajon Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $139,303 | -0.50% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -1.43% less |
Optometrists in El Cajon, CA earn a median of $138,607 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.43% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.50% below the California state average of $139,303.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
El Cajon has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
El Cajon, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $138,607 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $122,553 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$113,606
2025 BLS Actual
$134,622
2026 Current Est.
$138,607
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in El Cajon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $113,606 | Actual |
| 2020 | $116,366 | Actual |
| 2021 | $122,527 | Actual |
| 2022 | $123,799 | Actual |
| 2023 | $129,979 | Actual |
| 2024 | $180,013 | Actual |
| 2025 | $134,622 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $138,607 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $142,710 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the El Cajon metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $113,606 (2019) to $134,622 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $142,710 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,104 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the El Cajon 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) | $80,392 – $107,915 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $107,915 – $138,607 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $138,607 – $169,579 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $169,579 – $208,813 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in El Cajon
In El Cajon, where 18 optometrists are currently employed, the local job market shows a mix of opportunities across various settings. The cost of living index stands at 113.1, indicating that expenses are slightly above the national average, which influences the take-home pay of practitioners. While private optometry practices may offer competitive pay, retail optical chains like LensCrafters and Visionworks can provide steady employment and benefits. The variation in compensation can largely be attributed to practice ownership, collaboration with ophthalmologists, and clinical experience, particularly for residency-trained individuals. Optometrists aiming to maximize their pay in El Cajon should consider pursuing additional training in ocular disease or embracing the OD/MD model. Establishing strong relationships with local healthcare networks and participating in community outreach can further enhance their marketability in this evolving environment.
More salary data for El Cajon, 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 $134,622 for optometristsin the El Cajon 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 El Cajon 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