Optometrist Salary in Glendale, CA: $140,183 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Glendale, CA earns a median $140,183/year (≈ $67.40/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Glendale's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $123,946 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Glendale, California, the projected median salary for an optometrist stands at $140,183 for 2026, positioning it slightly below the national average of $140,612. The salary range for optometrists in the area spans from $81,306 at the 10th percentile to $214,391 at the 90th percentile, reflecting significant variation in pay. This range is shaped by factors such as the expanded scope of practice for optometrists in California, which includes glaucoma management and the use of oral medications, elevating the responsibilities and potentially the compensation associated with the role. Local estimates derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) state-level data and regional price adjustments indicate a strong competitive market for optometrists in Glendale, making it an attractive location for both seasoned professionals and newcomers entering the field.
About the Glendale Market
Salary estimated from California average ($160,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,306 | $39.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $114,046 | $54.83 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $140,183 | $67.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $173,410 | $83.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $214,391 | $103.07 |
Median Salary Position
0.31% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Glendale
In Glendale, CA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $133,085 (2026 est.). At $140,183, the local median is 0.31% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Glendale: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Glendale Optometrist Pay Compares
Glendale median: $140,183/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Glendale Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $139,347 | +0.60% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | -0.31% less |
Optometrists in Glendale, CA earn a median of $140,183 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.31% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.60% above the California state average of $139,347.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Glendale has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Glendale, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $140,183 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $123,946 — 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
$114,898
2025 BLS Actual
$136,153
2026 Current Est.
$140,183
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Glendale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $114,898 | Actual |
| 2020 | $117,690 | Actual |
| 2021 | $123,920 | Actual |
| 2022 | $125,207 | Actual |
| 2023 | $131,457 | Actual |
| 2024 | $182,060 | Actual |
| 2025 | $136,153 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $140,183 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $144,333 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Glendale metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $114,898 (2019) to $136,153 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $144,333 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,435 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Glendale 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) | $81,306 – $114,046 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $114,046 – $140,183 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $140,183 – $173,410 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $173,410 – $214,391 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Glendale
The job market for optometrists in Glendale is robust, with about 36 practitioners currently employed in the area. However, the cost-of-living index, which is at 113.1, suggests that while salaries are competitive, expenses may also be higher than the national average. In terms of employment settings, private optometry practices—including solo and group practices—tend to offer higher pay, particularly for those with residency training in ocular disease or those working within the OD/MD model alongside ophthalmologists. Conversely, retail optical chains may pay less due to their business models. The disparity in optometrist pay in Glendale can be attributed to ownership equity, practice type, and post-acquisition factors in formerly privately-owned practices transitioning to private equity ownership. For those looking to maximize earnings in this market, pursuing additional certification or residency training, aligning with high-paying employers, and considering private practice opportunities may prove advantageous for future financial success.
More salary data for Glendale, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Glendale, CA in 2026?
Is Glendale, CA a good place to work as a optometrist?
Can optometrists make $100K in Glendale?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Glendale?
How much does a optometrist make per hour in Glendale?
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 $136,153 for optometristsin the Glendale 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 Glendale 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