Optometrist Salary in Fremont, CA: $146,830 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Fremont, CA earns a median $146,830/year (≈ $70.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Fremont's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $129,823 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.4% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Fremont, California, can expect a median annual salary of $146,830, which reflects a competitive advantage over the national median of $140,612. This salary range spans from $85,161 at the 10th percentile to $227,587 at the 90th percentile, providing valuable insight into the potential earnings of professionals in the field. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost variations, underscore how the revenue from surgical co-management with ophthalmology practices can significantly enhance overall compensation. As demand for optometric services continues to grow, the job market in Fremont offers promising opportunities for both established practitioners and newcomers alike.
About the Fremont Market
Salary estimated from California average ($160,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,161 | $40.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $118,437 | $56.94 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $146,830 | $70.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $179,287 | $86.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $227,587 | $109.42 |
Median Salary Position
4.42% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fremont
In Fremont, CA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $142,426 (2026 est.). At $146,830, the local median is 4.42% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fremont: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fremont Optometrist Pay Compares
Fremont median: $146,830/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fremont Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $139,308 | +5.40% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | +4.42% more |
Optometrists in Fremont, CA earn a median of $146,830 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.42% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 5.40% above the California state average of $139,308.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fremont has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fremont, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $146,830 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $129,823 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$120,346
2025 BLS Actual
$142,609
2026 Current Est.
$146,830
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Fremont (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $120,346 | Actual |
| 2020 | $123,270 | Actual |
| 2021 | $129,796 | Actual |
| 2022 | $131,143 | Actual |
| 2023 | $137,691 | Actual |
| 2024 | $186,426 | Actual |
| 2025 | $142,609 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $146,830 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $151,176 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fremont metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $120,346 (2019) to $142,609 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $151,176 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,830 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fremont 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) | $85,161 – $118,437 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $118,437 – $146,830 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $146,830 – $179,287 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $179,287 – $227,587 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Fremont
Fremont's optometry sector consists of approximately 43 employed optometrists, indicating a localized but active job market. The cost of living index stands at 113.1, meaning that while salaries are higher than the national average, the increased living expenses need to be accounted for when considering take-home pay. Among various employers, private optometry practices and OD/MD models generally offer the highest compensation packages due to revenue-sharing from surgical referrals. The disparities in pay can be attributed to factors such as practice ownership equity, the impact of residency programs in ocular disease, and the terms of employment with private equity-owned practices. To maximize earning potential in Fremont, optometrists should consider pursuing residency training and seek employment opportunities with ophthalmology practices that provide additional revenue streams from surgical co-management. Understanding these market dynamics can help optometrists strategically position themselves for lucrative career paths in the region.
More salary data for Fremont, 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 $142,609 for optometristsin the Fremont 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 Fremont 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