Optometrist Salary in Tracy, CA: $135,366 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Tracy, CA earns a median $135,366/year (≈ $65.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Tracy's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $119,687 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected optometrist salary in Tracy, California, reaches a median of $135,366, which is slightly below the national average of $140,612. This compensation reflects the growing scope of practice for optometrists in California, including the management of glaucoma and the ability to prescribe oral medications and perform select laser procedures. The salary range for optometrists in Tracy is quite wide, spanning from $78,512 at the lower end (P10) to $198,610 for those at the higher end of the spectrum (P90). These figures are drawn from estimates based on 2025 BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional price parities, showcasing how local market dynamics can influence compensation. With 14 optometrists currently employed in Tracy, the local job market remains competitive, prompting ODs to keep abreast of evolving trends in the field.
About the Tracy Market
Salary estimated from California average ($160,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,512 | $37.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $108,818 | $52.31 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $135,366 | $65.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $166,569 | $80.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $198,610 | $95.49 |
Median Salary Position
3.73% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tracy
In Tracy, CA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $120,098 (2026 est.). At $135,366, the local median is 3.73% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tracy: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tracy Optometrist Pay Compares
Tracy median: $135,366/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tracy Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $139,265 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -3.73% less |
Optometrists in Tracy, CA earn a median of $135,366 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.73% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.80% below the California state average of $139,265.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tracy has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tracy, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $135,366 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $119,687 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$110,950
2025 BLS Actual
$131,474
2026 Current Est.
$135,366
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Tracy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $110,950 | Actual |
| 2020 | $113,645 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,662 | Actual |
| 2022 | $120,904 | Actual |
| 2023 | $126,940 | Actual |
| 2024 | $175,804 | Actual |
| 2025 | $131,474 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $135,366 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $139,372 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tracy metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $110,950 (2019) to $131,474 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $139,372 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,422 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tracy 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) | $78,512 – $108,818 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $108,818 – $135,366 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $135,366 – $166,569 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $166,569 – $198,610 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Tracy
While the median pay for optometrists in Tracy is competitive, understanding the local job market is crucial for maximizing earnings. The cost of living index sits at 113.1, indicating that living expenses in the area are slightly higher than the national average. Consequently, this impacts take-home purchasing power for optometrists, making it essential to consider the full compensation package offered by employers. In Tracy, private optometry practices often offer the best pay, particularly for those engaged in the OD/MD model alongside ophthalmologists. Furthermore, the experience gained through residency training can lead to higher earnings, especially in ocular disease management, which many employers value. For optometrists looking to increase their salary potential, strategic moves such as pursuing additional training, focusing on practice ownership, or tapping into specialized services can greatly enhance their market value in this nuanced landscape of optometrist pay in Tracy, CA.
More salary data for Tracy, 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 $131,474 for optometristsin the Tracy 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 Tracy 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