Optometrist Salary in Oakland, CA: $150,141 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Oakland, CA earns a median $150,141/year (≈ $72.19/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Oakland's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $132,751 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.8% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Oakland, California, command a median annual salary of $150,141, which reflects a notable premium over the national median of $140,612. Oklahoma's evolving scope of practice, including the authority to treat glaucoma, prescribe oral medications, and perform select laser procedures, plays a significant role in shaping local compensation. The pay range for optometrists in the region varies widely, from $87,083 at the 10th percentile up to $232,719 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for local cost factors, providing a clear picture of how much optometrists can expect to earn in this vibrant urban market.
About the Oakland Market
Salary estimated from California average ($160,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,083 | $41.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $116,283 | $55.91 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $150,141 | $72.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $187,495 | $90.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $232,719 | $111.89 |
Median Salary Position
6.78% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oakland
In Oakland, CA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $145,636 (2026 est.). At $150,141, the local median is 6.78% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Oakland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Oakland Optometrist Pay Compares
Oakland median: $150,141/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Oakland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $139,278 | +7.80% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | +6.78% more |
Optometrists in Oakland, CA earn a median of $150,141 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.78% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 7.80% above the California state average of $139,278.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Oakland has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Oakland, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $150,141 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $132,751 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$123,060
2025 BLS Actual
$145,825
2026 Current Est.
$150,141
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Oakland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $123,060 | Actual |
| 2020 | $126,050 | Actual |
| 2021 | $132,723 | Actual |
| 2022 | $134,101 | Actual |
| 2023 | $140,796 | Actual |
| 2024 | $194,333 | Actual |
| 2025 | $145,825 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $150,141 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $154,586 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oakland metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $123,060 (2019) to $145,825 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $154,586 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,526 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oakland 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) | $87,083 – $116,283 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $116,283 – $150,141 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $150,141 – $187,495 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $187,495 – $232,719 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Oakland
The job market for optometrists in Oakland consists of 78 professionals working across various settings, where the cost of living is approximately 13% above the national average. This relatively high cost can impact take-home purchasing power, making it essential for practitioners to consider employers that offer competitive compensation. Notably, private optometry practices and ophthalmology clinics often provide higher salaries than retail optical chains like LensCrafters and Visionworks, particularly for those with residencies in ocular disease or those associated with surgical referral programs. The disparity in optometrist pay in Oakland is influenced by factors such as ownership stake in practices, collaborative models with ophthalmologists, and practices' employment agreements following acquisitions. To maximize earnings, aspiring and current optometrists in Oakland should focus on expanding their clinical skills, considering residency training, and exploring opportunities in high-paying environments that leverage their expertise in advanced optometric techniques.
More salary data for Oakland, 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 $145,825 for optometristsin the Oakland 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 Oakland 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