Optometrist Salary in San Luis Obispo, CA: $132,839 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in San Luis Obispo, CA earns a median $132,839/year (≈ $63.87/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in San Luis Obispo's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.6), that paycheck buys what $122,324 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.7% below the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, optometrists in San Luis Obispo, California, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $132,839, reflecting the region's specific demand for eye care professionals amid an expanding scope of practice that includes the management of glaucoma and the prescription of oral medications. The range of salaries stretches from $109,930 at the 10th percentile to $170,306 at the 90th percentile, indicating a robust field for experienced practitioners. This information is drawn from official Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS surveys, providing insight into how well-positioned optometrists are in this scenic coastal city. As the market evolves, job opportunities in San Luis Obispo illustrate a growing need for skilled optometrists who can deliver diverse eye care services.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $109,930 | $52.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $117,776 | $56.62 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $132,839 | $63.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $158,764 | $76.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $170,306 | $81.88 |
Median Salary Position
5.53% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in San Luis Obispo
In San Luis Obispo, CA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,376 (2026 est.). At $132,839, the local median is 5.53% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in San Luis Obispo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How San Luis Obispo Optometrist Pay Compares
San Luis Obispo median: $132,839/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | San Luis Obispo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $139,390 | -4.70% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -5.53% less |
Optometrists in San Luis Obispo, CA earn a median of $132,839 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.53% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 4.70% below the California state average of $139,390.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
San Luis Obispo has a cost of living 8.60% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
San Luis Obispo, CA has a cost-of-living index of 108.596 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $132,839 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $122,324 — a 7.92% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$108,879
2025 BLS Actual
$129,020
2026 Current Est.
$132,839
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in San Luis Obispo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $108,879 | Actual |
| 2020 | $111,524 | Actual |
| 2021 | $106,290 | Actual |
| 2022 | $117,740 | Actual |
| 2023 | $126,960 | Actual |
| 2024 | $152,660 | Actual |
| 2025 | $129,020 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $132,839 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $136,771 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the San Luis Obispo metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $108,879 (2019) to $129,020 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $136,771 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,892 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Luis Obispo 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) | $109,930 – $117,776 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $117,776 – $132,839 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $132,839 – $158,764 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $158,764 – $170,306 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in San Luis Obispo
The local job market features around 30 optometrists, a relatively small but significant pool that reflects a tailored professional environment. The cost-of-living index in San Luis Obispo stands at 108.596, which suggests that take-home purchasing power may be slightly constrained despite competitive salaries. Employers such as private optometry practices and ophthalmology groups typically offer the most lucrative positions, especially for those with residency training or experience in disease management. The salary variation within the sector can be attributed to factors such as practice ownership equity and affiliations with larger health systems. For those looking to maximize their earning potential in San Luis Obispo, acquiring residency experience, engaging with referral networks, or considering practice ownership could be advantageous strategies in navigating this market's dynamics.
More salary data for San Luis Obispo, 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 $129,020 for optometristsin the San Luis Obispo 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, 5-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