Optometrist Salary in Pittsburg, CA: $140,100 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Pittsburg, CA earns a median $140,100/year (≈ $67.36/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Pittsburg's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $123,873 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.5% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The 2026 median annual salary for optometrists in Pittsburg, CA, is projected to be $140,100, a slightly lower figure compared to the national median of $140,612. This local estimate reflects the region's specific economic factors, including the full salary range that spans from $81,258 at the 10th percentile to $206,632 at the 90th percentile. The scope of practice in California, which allows optometrists to manage glaucoma, prescribe oral medications, and perform specific laser procedures, enhances the earning potential within the field. Consequently, this comprehensive practice is a significant factor in determining compensation for optometrists, influencing both the demand for services and the market dynamics in Pittsburg.
About the Pittsburg Market
Salary estimated from California average ($160,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,258 | $39.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109,988 | $52.88 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $140,100 | $67.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $169,542 | $81.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $206,632 | $99.35 |
Median Salary Position
0.36% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pittsburg
In Pittsburg, CA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $125,374 (2026 est.). At $140,100, the local median is 0.36% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pittsburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pittsburg Optometrist Pay Compares
Pittsburg median: $140,100/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pittsburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $139,403 | +0.50% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | -0.36% less |
Optometrists in Pittsburg, CA earn a median of $140,100 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.36% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.50% above the California state average of $139,403.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pittsburg has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pittsburg, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $140,100 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $123,873 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$114,830
2025 BLS Actual
$136,072
2026 Current Est.
$140,100
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Pittsburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $114,830 | Actual |
| 2020 | $117,620 | Actual |
| 2021 | $123,847 | Actual |
| 2022 | $125,132 | Actual |
| 2023 | $131,379 | Actual |
| 2024 | $181,952 | Actual |
| 2025 | $136,072 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $140,100 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $144,247 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pittsburg metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $114,830 (2019) to $136,072 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $144,247 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,417 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pittsburg 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) | $81,258 – $109,988 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $109,988 – $140,100 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $140,100 – $169,542 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $169,542 – $206,632 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Pittsburg
Analyzing the job market for optometrists in Pittsburg, it’s noteworthy that only 19 professionals are currently employed in the area, indicating a smaller than average market. With a cost-of-living index sitting at 113.1, healthcare professionals must consider how local living expenses impact their taking-home income and purchasing power. Notably, private optometry practices typically pay higher salaries compared to retail chains or ophthalmology groups, influenced by practice ownership equity and revenue-sharing structures. Variations in compensation stem from experience, specific training in ocular disease, and employment terms following acquisitions by private equity groups. To maximize income in this Pittsburg market, optometrists could seek to enhance their skills through residency training, network with local providers, or explore opportunities in emerging practice settings that align with the expanded scope of practice in California.
More salary data for Pittsburg, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Pittsburg?
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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 $136,072 for optometristsin the Pittsburg 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 Pittsburg 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