Optometrist Salary in Manteca, CA: $136,215 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Manteca, CA earns a median $136,215/year (≈ $65.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Manteca's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $120,438 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Manteca, California, the projected median annual optometrist salary in 2026 is expected to reach $136,215. Comparatively, this figure registers slightly below the national median of $140,612, highlighting the unique dynamics of the local job market. Salaries for optometrists in this area range from $79,004 at the lower end (P10) to a notable $201,883 at the higher end (P90). These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost of living considerations. As industry shifts continue, the decision to work in private practice versus retail chains or community health settings will significantly impact earning potential, making it essential for new graduates and established practitioners alike to carefully evaluate their employment options in Manteca.
About the Manteca Market
Salary estimated from California average ($160,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,004 | $37.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $110,508 | $53.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $136,215 | $65.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $165,430 | $79.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $201,883 | $97.06 |
Median Salary Position
3.13% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manteca
In Manteca, CA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $122,879 (2026 est.). At $136,215, the local median is 3.13% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Manteca: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Manteca Optometrist Pay Compares
Manteca median: $136,215/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Manteca Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $139,279 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -3.13% less |
Optometrists in Manteca, CA earn a median of $136,215 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.13% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.20% below the California state average of $139,279.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Manteca has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Manteca, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $136,215 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $120,438 — 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
$111,646
2025 BLS Actual
$132,299
2026 Current Est.
$136,215
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Manteca (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $111,646 | Actual |
| 2020 | $114,358 | Actual |
| 2021 | $120,413 | Actual |
| 2022 | $121,662 | Actual |
| 2023 | $127,736 | Actual |
| 2024 | $176,907 | Actual |
| 2025 | $132,299 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $136,215 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $140,247 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Manteca metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $111,646 (2019) to $132,299 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $140,247 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,601 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manteca 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) | $79,004 – $110,508 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $110,508 – $136,215 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $136,215 – $165,430 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $165,430 – $201,883 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Manteca
The local job market currently features 13 optometrists, a number that reflects both the demand for eye care and the saturation of the field in the area. The cost-of-living index in Manteca stands at 113.1, which indicates that while salaries are competitive, the higher cost of living may affect overall purchasing power. Employers in the region, such as private optometry practices and retail optical chains, play distinct roles in compensation. Typically, private practices may offer higher potential earnings through equity and independent management versus retail chains, which provide stability but generally lower pay scales. Factors contributing to the wage spectrum include position type, ownership models, and whether or not the optometrist has completed residency training. To maximize pay in Manteca, practitioners should consider expanding their scope of practice to include specialties like glaucoma management and ocular disease, which can open additional revenue streams and enrich patient care options.
More salary data for Manteca, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Manteca, CA in 2026?
Is Manteca, CA a good place to work as a optometrist?
Can optometrists make $100K in Manteca?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Manteca?
How much does a optometrist make per hour in Manteca?
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 $132,299 for optometristsin the Manteca 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 Manteca 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