Optometrist Salary in South Gate, CA: $137,253 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in South Gate, CA earns a median $137,253/year (≈ $65.99/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in South Gate's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $121,355 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For optometrists practicing in South Gate, California, the 2026 median annual salary is projected at $137,253, which remains slightly below the national median of $140,612. With a compensation range between $79,607 at the 10th percentile and up to $205,486 at the 90th percentile, these figures reflect local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost differences. The opportunities for optometrists in this area are shaped significantly by the state's expansive scope of practice, which includes managing glaucoma and prescribing oral medications. This autonomy not only enhances professional satisfaction but also fosters competitive compensation among practitioners in South Gate's evolving job market.
About the South Gate Market
Salary estimated from California average ($160,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,607 | $38.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109,584 | $52.68 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $137,253 | $65.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $167,929 | $80.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $205,486 | $98.79 |
Median Salary Position
2.39% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Gate
In South Gate, CA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $125,879 (2026 est.). At $137,253, the local median is 2.39% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in South Gate: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How South Gate Optometrist Pay Compares
South Gate median: $137,253/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | South Gate Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $139,343 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -2.39% less |
Optometrists in South Gate, CA earn a median of $137,253 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.39% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.50% below the California state average of $139,343.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
South Gate has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
South Gate, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $137,253 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $121,355 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$112,496
2025 BLS Actual
$133,307
2026 Current Est.
$137,253
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in South Gate (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $112,496 | Actual |
| 2020 | $115,229 | Actual |
| 2021 | $121,330 | Actual |
| 2022 | $122,589 | Actual |
| 2023 | $128,710 | Actual |
| 2024 | $178,255 | Actual |
| 2025 | $133,307 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $137,253 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $141,316 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Gate metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $112,496 (2019) to $133,307 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $141,316 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,820 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Gate 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) | $79,607 – $109,584 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $109,584 – $137,253 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $137,253 – $167,929 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $167,929 – $205,486 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in South Gate
The job market for optometrists in South Gate consists of 25 employed professionals, but this relatively small number suggests a tailored local network. The cost of living is higher than the national average, with a cost-of-living index of 113.1, which affects take-home purchasing power. Salaries in the area can vary significantly depending on the practice type. For instance, private optometry practices often provide higher compensation than retail optical chains, such as LensCrafters and Walmart Vision, influenced by factors like ownership equity and collaboration with ophthalmologists. To maximize earnings, opting for advanced residency training or aligning with practices that engage in surgical referrals may yield substantial financial benefits. Additionally, understanding the nuances between private practice and corporate settings can help optometrists optimize their positions and overall pay in South Gate, CA.
More salary data for South Gate, 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 $133,307 for optometristsin the South Gate 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 South Gate 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