Optometrist Salary in Hawthorne, CA: $137,672 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Hawthorne, CA earns a median $137,672/year (≈ $66.19/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Hawthorne's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $121,726 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Hawthorne, California, can expect a median annual salary of $137,672, slightly below the national median of $140,612. This reflects the regional influence of surgical co-management revenue in enhancing overall compensation, particularly when optometrists partner with ophthalmologists. Salaries in the area span from $79,850 at the 10th percentile to an impressive $198,205 at the 90th percentile, showcasing a diverse earning potential. These figures draw from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local market conditions. As the job market strengthens, the demand for optometrists in Hawthorne illustrates opportunities for growth, even as salaries remain somewhat tempered compared to national averages.
About the Hawthorne Market
Salary estimated from California average ($160,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,850 | $38.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $113,435 | $54.54 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $137,672 | $66.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $163,697 | $78.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $198,205 | $95.29 |
Median Salary Position
2.09% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hawthorne
In Hawthorne, CA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $118,355 (2026 est.). At $137,672, the local median is 2.09% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hawthorne: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hawthorne Optometrist Pay Compares
Hawthorne median: $137,672/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hawthorne Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $139,344 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -2.09% less |
Optometrists in Hawthorne, CA earn a median of $137,672 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.09% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.20% below the California state average of $139,344.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hawthorne has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hawthorne, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $137,672 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $121,726 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$112,840
2025 BLS Actual
$133,714
2026 Current Est.
$137,672
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Hawthorne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $112,840 | Actual |
| 2020 | $115,581 | Actual |
| 2021 | $121,701 | Actual |
| 2022 | $122,964 | Actual |
| 2023 | $129,102 | Actual |
| 2024 | $178,799 | Actual |
| 2025 | $133,714 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $137,672 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $141,747 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hawthorne metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $112,840 (2019) to $133,714 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $141,747 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,907 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hawthorne 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) | $79,850 – $113,435 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $113,435 – $137,672 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $137,672 – $163,697 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $163,697 – $198,205 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Hawthorne
With 13 optometrists currently practicing in the area, job security in Hawthorne is stable, although the higher cost of living, reflected in the 113.1 cost-of-living index, affects take-home pay for professionals. Retail optical chains and private practices dominate the employment landscape, with ophthalmology practices offering the most lucrative positions given their integration of the OD/MD model, which allows for additional revenue through surgical referrals. Factors contributing to the breadth of pay differences include practice ownership opportunities, the level of training (especially residency-trained candidates), and the type of practice setting. Optometrists seeking to maximize their earnings in Hawthorne should consider pursuing partnerships or ownership roles, particularly in collaborative environments that enhance revenue through surgical management. Familiarity with local insurance pay structures and building networks within the healthcare community are also valuable strategies for increasing one's earning potential.
More salary data for Hawthorne, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Hawthorne?
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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 $133,714 for optometristsin the Hawthorne 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 Hawthorne 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