Optometrist Salary in Fontana, CA: $144,900 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Fontana, CA earns a median $144,900/year (≈ $69.66/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Fontana's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $128,117 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For 2026, the projected median annual salary for an optometrist in Fontana, California, is set at $144,900, exceeding the national median of $140,612 by 3.05%. This salary estimate reflects a salary range from $84,042 at the 10th percentile to $222,085 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse compensation landscape influenced by various factors. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data, adjusted for the local cost of living. With an expanded scope of practice that allows optometrists to manage glaucoma and prescribe oral medications, the demand for qualified professionals is solid, providing an optimistic outlook for those entering or currently practicing in Fontana.
About the Fontana Market
Salary estimated from California average ($160,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,042 | $40.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109,997 | $52.88 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $144,900 | $69.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $178,670 | $85.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $222,085 | $106.77 |
Median Salary Position
3.05% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fontana
In Fontana, CA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $138,043 (2026 est.). At $144,900, the local median is 3.05% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fontana: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fontana Optometrist Pay Compares
Fontana median: $144,900/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fontana Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $139,327 | +4.00% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | +3.05% more |
Optometrists in Fontana, CA earn a median of $144,900 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.05% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 4.00% above the California state average of $139,327.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fontana has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fontana, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $144,900 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $128,117 — a 11.58% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$118,764
2025 BLS Actual
$140,734
2026 Current Est.
$144,900
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Fontana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $118,764 | Actual |
| 2020 | $121,649 | Actual |
| 2021 | $128,090 | Actual |
| 2022 | $129,419 | Actual |
| 2023 | $135,880 | Actual |
| 2024 | $188,186 | Actual |
| 2025 | $140,734 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $144,900 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $149,189 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fontana metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $118,764 (2019) to $140,734 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $149,189 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,425 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fontana 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) | $84,042 – $109,997 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $109,997 – $144,900 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $144,900 – $178,670 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $178,670 – $222,085 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Fontana
Currently, Fontana employs around 32 optometrists, which indicates a competitive local job market. The city's cost-of-living index stands at 113.1, suggesting that while salaries may be attractive, they must be weighed against higher living expenses. Among various employers in the region, private optometry practices, particularly those with ownership equity, typically offer the highest earnings potential. The pay spectrum also reflects how practice ownership, collaboration with ophthalmologists under the OD/MD model, and the intricacies of whether a practice is part of a retail chain can influence compensation. Additionally, residents or those specializing in ocular disease may find opportunities leading to better pay. For those considering opportunities, focusing on gaining experience in environments that cater to higher revenue models and understanding the local market dynamics can significantly enhance earning potential in Fontana.
More salary data for Fontana, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Fontana, CA in 2026?
Is Fontana, CA a good place to work as a optometrist?
Can optometrists make $100K in Fontana?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Fontana?
How much does a optometrist make per hour in Fontana?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 $140,734 for optometristsin the Fontana 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 Fontana 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