Optometrist Salary in Salinas, CA: $137,297 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Salinas, CA earns a median $137,297/year (≈ $66.01/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Salinas's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.0), that paycheck buys what $125,912 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the optometrist salary in Salinas, California, is projected to reach a median of $137,297, reflecting the dynamic nature of this profession. The salary range spans from $110,836 at the 10th percentile to $169,071 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, reveal a competitive compensation environment rooted in the OD/MD model of surgical co-management, which can significantly augment earnings through referral revenue. Given the demand for specialized eye care and the integration of advanced practices, Salinas offers optometrists a robust job market, positioning themselves well within the California healthcare sector.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $110,836 | $53.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $122,975 | $59.12 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $137,297 | $66.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $160,690 | $77.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $169,071 | $81.29 |
Median Salary Position
2.36% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salinas
In Salinas, CA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,235 (2026 est.). At $137,297, the local median is 2.36% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Salinas: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Salinas Optometrist Pay Compares
Salinas median: $137,297/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Salinas Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $139,388 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -2.36% less |
Optometrists in Salinas, CA earn a median of $137,297 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.36% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.50% below the California state average of $139,388.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Salinas has a cost of living 9.04% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Salinas, CA has a cost-of-living index of 109.042 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $137,297 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $125,912 — a 8.29% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$88,360
2025 BLS Actual
$133,350
2026 Current Est.
$137,297
2019–2027 Growth
+60.0%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Salinas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $88,360 | Actual |
| 2020 | $115,267 | Actual |
| 2021 | $102,510 | Actual |
| 2022 | $120,790 | Actual |
| 2023 | $132,560 | Actual |
| 2024 | $149,510 | Actual |
| 2025 | $133,350 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $137,297 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $141,361 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Salinas metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 50.9% from $88,360 (2019) to $133,350 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $141,361 by 2027 — a total increase of $53,001 (59.98%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salinas 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) | $110,836 – $122,975 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $122,975 – $137,297 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $137,297 – $160,690 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $160,690 – $169,071 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Salinas
Employment opportunities for approximately 60 optometrists in Salinas indicate a healthy job market, though the cost of living index at 109.042 suggests that maximizing income is crucial for take-home purchasing power in this area. Among the highest paying employers are private optometry practices that leverage surgical co-management arrangements, as well as ophthalmology practices that offer similar advantages. Factors contributing to the pay disparity include ownership equity, the relationship between optometry and ophthalmology services, and the influence of practice models, such as private equity's impact on current employment conditions in the area. For new graduates or established practitioners looking to enhance their earnings, pursuing a residency in ocular disease or specializing in glaucoma management could offer a competitive edge, especially as scope of practice expands and the demand for such qualifications grows in Salinas, CA.
More salary data for Salinas, 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 $133,350 for optometristsin the Salinas 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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