Optometrist Salary in Lompoc, CA: $137,886 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Lompoc, CA earns a median $137,886/year (≈ $66.30/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Lompoc's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $121,915 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lompoc, California, the projected median annual salary for optometrists in 2026 stands at $137,886, slightly below the national median of $140,612. This local estimate, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional price parities, showcases a salary range that spans from $79,974 at the lower 10th percentile to $193,264 at the upper 90th percentile. The presence of surgical co-management opportunities, especially in collaboration with ophthalmologists, contributes notably to overall compensation, making this market rather attractive for optometrists. With only eight optometrists currently practicing in the area, Lompoc’s job market presents an interesting dynamic, particularly for those looking to integrate surgical referrals into their practice.
About the Lompoc Market
Salary estimated from California average ($160,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,974 | $38.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $110,678 | $53.21 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $137,886 | $66.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $162,321 | $78.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $193,264 | $92.91 |
Median Salary Position
1.94% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lompoc
In Lompoc, CA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $113,290 (2026 est.). At $137,886, the local median is 1.94% below the national median of $140,612.
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At 40 hours/week in Lompoc: You'd be above the median
How Lompoc Optometrist Pay Compares
Lompoc median: $137,886/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lompoc Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $139,279 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -1.94% less |
Optometrists in Lompoc, CA earn a median of $137,886 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.94% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.00% below the California state average of $139,279.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lompoc has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lompoc, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $137,886 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $121,915 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$113,015
2025 BLS Actual
$133,922
2026 Current Est.
$137,886
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Lompoc (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $113,015 | Actual |
| 2020 | $115,761 | Actual |
| 2021 | $121,890 | Actual |
| 2022 | $123,155 | Actual |
| 2023 | $129,303 | Actual |
| 2024 | $179,077 | Actual |
| 2025 | $133,922 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $137,886 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $141,968 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lompoc metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $113,015 (2019) to $133,922 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $141,968 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,953 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lompoc 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) | $79,974 – $110,678 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $110,678 – $137,886 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $137,886 – $162,321 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $162,321 – $193,264 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Lompoc
When examining optometrist pay in Lompoc, CA, it’s essential to consider the local cost of living index, which currently sits at 113.1, indicating that living expenses are above the national average. This aspect affects take-home purchasing power, particularly for newer optometrists entering the field. Among the different employment settings, private optometry practices generally offer more competitive salaries than retail optical chains. However, those associated with the OD/MD model benefit from additional revenue streams related to surgical referrals. Differences in compensation can also arise from practice types, such as ownership equity versus working for corporate entities following buyouts. To maximize earnings, residency-trained optometrists should consider opportunities in ocular disease or the VA pathway while being strategic about job offers that emphasize lucrative referral partnerships and equitable practice agreements.
More salary data for Lompoc, 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 $133,922 for optometristsin the Lompoc 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 Lompoc 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