Optometrist Salary in Lynwood, CA: $134,494 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Lynwood, CA earns a median $134,494/year (≈ $64.66/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Lynwood's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $118,916 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.5% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For optometrists in Lynwood, California, 2026 marks a promising year in terms of compensation, with a projected median annual salary of $134,494. This figure is slightly below the national median of $140,612, reflecting local market conditions and adjustments based on regional cost of living. Salaries for optometrists in Lynwood range from $78,007 at the 10th percentile to $195,975 at the 90th percentile, showcasing a broad spectrum of earning potential. These local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data, provide insight into how the surgical co-management revenue generated through OD/MD collaborations in this area plays a significant role in salary figures, making this occupation appealing in an evolving healthcare landscape.
About the Lynwood Market
Salary estimated from California average ($160,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,007 | $37.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $107,098 | $51.49 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $134,494 | $64.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $161,325 | $77.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $195,975 | $94.22 |
Median Salary Position
4.35% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lynwood
In Lynwood, CA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $117,968 (2026 est.). At $134,494, the local median is 4.35% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lynwood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lynwood Optometrist Pay Compares
Lynwood median: $134,494/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lynwood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $139,372 | -3.50% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -4.35% less |
Optometrists in Lynwood, CA earn a median of $134,494 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.35% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.50% below the California state average of $139,372.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lynwood has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lynwood, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $134,494 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $118,916 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$110,235
2025 BLS Actual
$130,627
2026 Current Est.
$134,494
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Lynwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $110,235 | Actual |
| 2020 | $112,913 | Actual |
| 2021 | $118,891 | Actual |
| 2022 | $120,125 | Actual |
| 2023 | $126,122 | Actual |
| 2024 | $174,672 | Actual |
| 2025 | $130,627 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $134,494 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $138,475 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lynwood metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $110,235 (2019) to $130,627 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $138,475 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,240 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lynwood 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) | $78,007 – $107,098 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $107,098 – $134,494 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $134,494 – $161,325 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $161,325 – $195,975 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Lynwood
In examining the job market for optometrists in Lynwood, it's noteworthy that there are currently 16 employed in the area, which contributes to both competition and collaboration among local practices. The cost of living index for Lynwood stands at 113.1, indicating that expenses are above the national average, which can affect take-home pay. Among various employers, private optometry practices and ophthalmology practices leveraging the OD/MD model tend to offer higher salaries, in stark contrast to retail optical chains. Factors driving salary variations include practice ownership stakes, the extent of surgical procedures performed, and the depth of residency training in areas like ocular disease. For those looking to maximize their earnings in Lynwood, considering the benefits of additional certifications and focusing on collaborations with ophthalmology practices could be advantageous strategies in negotiating better compensation.
More salary data for Lynwood, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Lynwood?
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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 $130,627 for optometristsin the Lynwood 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 Lynwood 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