Optometrist Salary in Lake Forest, CA: $136,800 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Lake Forest, CA earns a median $136,800/year (≈ $65.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Lake Forest's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $120,955 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.8% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Lake Forest, California, can expect a median annual salary of $136,800, reflecting the market's competitive environment and the financial benefits of the OD/MD surgical co-management model that significantly enhances revenue potential. Salary ranges vary considerably, spanning from $79,344 at the 10th percentile to $203,910 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse earning landscape influenced by experience, specialization, and practice ownership. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, highlighting the adjustments made for regional cost realities. With optometry's evolving scope of practice, particularly in areas like glaucoma management and surgical procedures, the demand in Lake Forest translates into a robust job market for qualified professionals.
About the Lake Forest Market
Salary estimated from California average ($160,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,344 | $38.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $108,685 | $52.25 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $136,800 | $65.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $166,836 | $80.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $203,910 | $98.04 |
Median Salary Position
2.71% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lake Forest
In Lake Forest, CA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $124,566 (2026 est.). At $136,800, the local median is 2.71% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lake Forest: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lake Forest Optometrist Pay Compares
Lake Forest median: $136,800/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lake Forest Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $139,307 | -1.80% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -2.71% less |
Optometrists in Lake Forest, CA earn a median of $136,800 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.71% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.80% below the California state average of $139,307.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lake Forest has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lake Forest, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $136,800 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $120,955 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$112,125
2025 BLS Actual
$132,867
2026 Current Est.
$136,800
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Lake Forest (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $112,125 | Actual |
| 2020 | $114,849 | Actual |
| 2021 | $120,930 | Actual |
| 2022 | $122,185 | Actual |
| 2023 | $128,285 | Actual |
| 2024 | $177,667 | Actual |
| 2025 | $132,867 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $136,800 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $140,849 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lake Forest metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $112,125 (2019) to $132,867 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $140,849 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,724 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lake Forest 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) | $79,344 – $108,685 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $108,685 – $136,800 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $136,800 – $166,836 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $166,836 – $203,910 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Lake Forest
The local employment scene features around 14 optometrists, a number that suggests a relatively tight-knit community which can lead to a strong referral network. The cost of living index in Lake Forest stands at 113.1, suggesting that while salaries are competitive, the higher cost of housing and goods can impact take-home purchasing power. Notably, optometrists who work in surgical co-management with ophthalmology practices tend to command the highest salaries, benefiting from shared revenue models. On the other hand, those in retail chains like LensCrafters may find their earnings less competitive due to lower billing rates and less complex patient care. The disparity between high and low pay often correlates with factors such as the equity offered through practice ownership, specialized residency training, and the evolving landscape following the acquisition of independent practices by corporate entities. For those entering the market, strategies like seeking employment in ophthalmology settings, pursuing additional certifications, or exploring opportunities in private practice can maximize pay potential in this region of CA.
More salary data for Lake Forest, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Lake Forest?
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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 $132,867 for optometristsin the Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest 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