Optometrist Salary in Ontario, CA: $135,642 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Ontario, CA earns a median $135,642/year (≈ $65.21/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Ontario's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $119,931 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.7% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ontario, California, optometrists can anticipate a median annual salary of $135,642 in 2026, reflecting a localized estimate drawn from the 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional economic conditions. Salaries in this field show a significant range, with entry-level positions starting around $78,672 and experienced optometrists earning as much as $203,460 annually. The co-management revenue associated with the OD/MD model contributes to heightened earnings, particularly in surgical settings where referrals and procedural integration with ophthalmologists create lucrative opportunities. The job market in Ontario is evolving, making it an intriguing option for new graduates and seasoned practitioners alike.
About the Ontario Market
Salary estimated from California average ($160,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,672 | $37.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $105,091 | $50.52 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $135,642 | $65.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $165,426 | $79.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $203,460 | $97.82 |
Median Salary Position
3.53% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ontario
In Ontario, CA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $124,788 (2026 est.). At $135,642, the local median is 3.53% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ontario: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ontario Optometrist Pay Compares
Ontario median: $135,642/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ontario Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $139,406 | -2.70% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -3.53% less |
Optometrists in Ontario, CA earn a median of $135,642 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.53% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.70% below the California state average of $139,406.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ontario has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ontario, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $135,642 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $119,931 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$111,176
2025 BLS Actual
$131,742
2026 Current Est.
$135,642
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Ontario (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $111,176 | Actual |
| 2020 | $113,877 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,906 | Actual |
| 2022 | $121,150 | Actual |
| 2023 | $127,199 | Actual |
| 2024 | $185,233 | Actual |
| 2025 | $131,742 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $135,642 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $139,657 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ontario metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $111,176 (2019) to $131,742 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $139,657 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,481 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ontario 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) | $78,672 – $105,091 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $105,091 – $135,642 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $135,642 – $165,426 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $165,426 – $203,460 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Ontario
With 42 optometrists currently practicing in Ontario, the job market reflects a healthy employment rate, albeit the cost of living index is registered at 113.1, indicating greater living expenses compared to the national average. This situational factor impacts overall purchasing power for optometrists working in the area. Among various employment settings, ophthalmology practices leveraging the OD/MD model tend to offer the highest salaries due to revenue-sharing agreements from surgical procedures. On the other end of the spectrum, retail optical chains may provide lower compensation but can attract those considering a more routine work schedule. Practitioners can maximize their pay by pursuing residency training, particularly in ocular disease, and considering positions with private practices that remain independent from private equity acquisitions, where terms may vary considerably but could favor the optometrist's financial interests.
More salary data for Ontario, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Ontario, CA in 2026?
Is Ontario, CA a good place to work as a optometrist?
Can optometrists make $100K in Ontario?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Ontario?
How much does a optometrist make per hour in Ontario?
Related Pages
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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 $131,742 for optometristsin the Ontario 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 Ontario 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