Optometrist Salary in Rocklin, CA: $136,535 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Rocklin, CA earns a median $136,535/year (≈ $65.64/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Rocklin's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $120,721 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Rocklin, California, optometrists are projected to earn a median annual salary of $136,535 in 2026, reflecting a market that is slightly below the national average of $140,612. The salary range for optometrists in the area varies significantly, from $79,191 at the 10th percentile to as high as $207,972 for those in the 90th percentile. Local compensation figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price parities, highlight the influence of California’s advanced scope of practice which includes the ability to manage glaucoma, prescribe oral medications, and perform select laser procedures. This broad skill set not only raises the earning potential for optometrists but also shapes the demand within Rocklin's healthcare landscape, ultimately scripting a narrative of growth and opportunity for those in the field.
About the Rocklin Market
Salary estimated from California average ($160,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,191 | $38.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $111,148 | $53.44 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $136,535 | $65.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $160,995 | $77.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $207,972 | $99.98 |
Median Salary Position
2.9% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rocklin
In Rocklin, CA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $128,781 (2026 est.). At $136,535, the local median is 2.9% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rocklin: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rocklin Optometrist Pay Compares
Rocklin median: $136,535/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rocklin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $139,322 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -2.90% less |
Optometrists in Rocklin, CA earn a median of $136,535 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.90% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.00% below the California state average of $139,322.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rocklin has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rocklin, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $136,535 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $120,721 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$111,908
2025 BLS Actual
$132,610
2026 Current Est.
$136,535
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Rocklin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $111,908 | Actual |
| 2020 | $114,627 | Actual |
| 2021 | $120,696 | Actual |
| 2022 | $121,948 | Actual |
| 2023 | $128,037 | Actual |
| 2024 | $177,323 | Actual |
| 2025 | $132,610 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $136,535 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $140,577 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rocklin metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $111,908 (2019) to $132,610 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $140,577 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,669 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rocklin 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) | $79,191 – $111,148 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $111,148 – $136,535 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $136,535 – $160,995 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $160,995 – $207,972 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Rocklin
The local job market in Rocklin consists of around 10 employed optometrists, indicating a relatively small yet stable professional community. With a cost-of-living index of 113.1, residents will find that their purchasing power may be somewhat diminished despite higher salaries compared to national averages. Most competitive pay is likely found within private ophthalmology practices that integrate optometrists into their surgical referral models, while retail optical chains tend to offer lower salaries. Notably, practitioners with residency training in ocular disease might navigate the compensation spectrum more favorably due to their specialized skills. For those looking to maximize their pay in Rocklin, strategies such as seeking positions in dual OD/MD models, or considering equity stakes in private practices can be advantageous in enhancing earning potential and securing better employment terms.
More salary data for Rocklin, 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 $132,610 for optometristsin the Rocklin 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 Rocklin 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