Optometrist Salary in Moreno Valley, CA: $140,628 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Moreno Valley, CA earns a median $140,628/year (≈ $67.61/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Moreno Valley's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $124,340 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the optometrist salary in Moreno Valley, CA, is projected to reach a median of $140,628, slightly above the national median of $140,612. Optometrists in this area can expect compensation to range widely, from $81,564 at the 10th percentile to as much as $216,600 at the 90th percentile. These figures reflect the local economic conditions and are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price differences. The market in Moreno Valley features a mix of practice ownership, employed associates, and retail chain setups, which contributes to the notable variations in salary. As practice ownership and practice models evolve, those in private practice may find themselves at a greater financial advantage, potentially leading to higher earnings compared to their counterparts in retail chains.
About the Moreno Valley Market
Salary estimated from California average ($160,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,564 | $39.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $110,087 | $52.92 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $140,628 | $67.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $176,846 | $85.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $216,600 | $104.13 |
Median Salary Position
0.01% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moreno Valley
In Moreno Valley, CA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $135,036 (2026 est.). At $140,628, the local median is 0.01% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Moreno Valley: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Moreno Valley Optometrist Pay Compares
Moreno Valley median: $140,628/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Moreno Valley Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $139,374 | +0.90% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | +0.01% more |
Optometrists in Moreno Valley, CA earn a median of $140,628 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.01% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 0.90% above the California state average of $139,374.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Moreno Valley has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Moreno Valley, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $140,628 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $124,340 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$115,263
2025 BLS Actual
$136,585
2026 Current Est.
$140,628
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Moreno Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $115,263 | Actual |
| 2020 | $118,063 | Actual |
| 2021 | $124,314 | Actual |
| 2022 | $125,604 | Actual |
| 2023 | $131,874 | Actual |
| 2024 | $182,639 | Actual |
| 2025 | $136,585 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $140,628 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $144,791 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Moreno Valley metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $115,263 (2019) to $136,585 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $144,791 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,528 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moreno Valley 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) | $81,564 – $110,087 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $110,087 – $140,628 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $140,628 – $176,846 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $176,846 – $216,600 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Moreno Valley
Analyzing the optometrist pay in Moreno Valley, CA, reveals a robust local job market with 53 optometrists currently employed, which showcases a healthy demand for eye care professionals. However, the cost of living index at 113.1 indicates that while salaries appear competitive, the higher living expenses may impact overall purchasing power. Among local employers, private optometry practices and ophthalmology collaborations are likely to provide higher salaries than retail chains like LensCrafters or Walmart Vision. Factors influencing the disparities in pay include the practice ownership model, the presence of residency-trained optometrists, and the nuances of the OD/MD model where optometrists work alongside ophthalmologists. For those seeking to maximize earnings in Moreno Valley, focusing on expanding practice ownership opportunities, enhancing skills in glaucoma management, and considering roles in higher-paying private or ophthalmology practices could prove advantageous.
More salary data for Moreno Valley, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Moreno Valley, CA in 2026?
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Can optometrists make $100K in Moreno Valley?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Moreno Valley?
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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 $136,585 for optometristsin the Moreno Valley 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 Moreno Valley 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