Optometrist Salary in Redding, CA: $137,396 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Redding, CA earns a median $137,396/year (≈ $66.06/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Redding's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $121,482 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Redding, California, optometrists see median annual earnings of $137,396 in 2026, slightly trailing the national median of $140,612. The salary range for optometrists in the area varies significantly, from approximately $79,690 to $205,986, reflecting the diverse opportunities available in the field. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, account for regional price adjustments, illustrating how local economic conditions influence compensation. Importantly, surgical co-management revenue from the collaboration with ophthalmologists enhances earning potential, making the role more lucrative for those who engage in such partnerships. As Redding's healthcare market continues to evolve, the stability and growth of optometrist salaries suggest an encouraging outlook for practitioners in the region.
About the Redding Market
Salary estimated from California average ($160,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,690 | $38.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109,871 | $52.82 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $137,396 | $66.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $168,275 | $80.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $205,986 | $99.03 |
Median Salary Position
2.29% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Redding
In Redding, CA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $126,296 (2026 est.). At $137,396, the local median is 2.29% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Redding: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Redding Optometrist Pay Compares
Redding median: $137,396/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Redding Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $139,347 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -2.29% less |
Optometrists in Redding, CA earn a median of $137,396 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.29% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.40% below the California state average of $139,347.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Redding has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Redding, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $137,396 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $121,482 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$112,614
2025 BLS Actual
$133,446
2026 Current Est.
$137,396
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Redding (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $112,614 | Actual |
| 2020 | $115,350 | Actual |
| 2021 | $120,880 | Actual |
| 2022 | $101,760 | Actual |
| 2023 | $128,844 | Actual |
| 2024 | $178,441 | Actual |
| 2025 | $133,446 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $137,396 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $141,463 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Redding metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $112,614 (2019) to $133,446 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $141,463 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,849 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Redding 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) | $79,690 – $109,871 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $109,871 – $137,396 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $137,396 – $168,275 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $168,275 – $205,986 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Redding
Assessing the broader job market in Redding reveals that a total of 13 optometrists currently practice in the area, presenting a competitive but supportive environment. The cost-of-living index sits at 113.1, indicating that housing and everyday expenses are above the national average, which directly impacts take-home pay. Among local employers, private optometry practices and ophthalmology groups offering the OD/MD model generally provide the highest compensation. Factors influencing the disparity between lower and higher paid positions include ownership equity, the potential for additional revenue through surgical referrals, and the benefits of residency training specifically in ocular disease. To maximize earnings in this market, optometrists may consider specializing in areas aligned with expanded scopes of practice, collaborating with established practices, or maintaining relationships with local vision insurance providers like VSP.
More salary data for Redding, 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 $133,446 for optometristsin the Redding 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 Redding 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