Optometrist Salary in Turlock, CA: $136,259 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Turlock, CA earns a median $136,259/year (≈ $65.51/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Turlock's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $120,477 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Turlock, CA, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $136,259. This figure reflects local estimates based on 2025 BLS data and accounts for the cost of living in the area. Salaries will span from $79,030 at the 10th percentile to $206,658 at the 90th percentile, indicating a robust range of compensation opportunities. Notably, Turlock's optometrist pay slightly lags behind the national average of $140,612, but several factors can elevate earnings, particularly for those involved in the OD/MD model of care. Optometrists who collaborate closely with ophthalmologists can expect to benefit from additional revenue streams through surgical co-management, which can significantly enhance overall compensation.
About the Turlock Market
Salary estimated from California average ($160,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,030 | $37.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $110,597 | $53.17 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $136,259 | $65.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $168,623 | $81.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $206,658 | $99.36 |
Median Salary Position
3.1% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Turlock
In Turlock, CA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $127,628 (2026 est.). At $136,259, the local median is 3.1% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Turlock: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Turlock Optometrist Pay Compares
Turlock median: $136,259/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Turlock Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $139,324 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -3.10% less |
Optometrists in Turlock, CA earn a median of $136,259 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.10% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.20% below the California state average of $139,324.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Turlock has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Turlock, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $136,259 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $120,477 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$111,682
2025 BLS Actual
$132,342
2026 Current Est.
$136,259
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Turlock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $111,682 | Actual |
| 2020 | $114,395 | Actual |
| 2021 | $120,452 | Actual |
| 2022 | $121,702 | Actual |
| 2023 | $127,778 | Actual |
| 2024 | $176,965 | Actual |
| 2025 | $132,342 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $136,259 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $140,293 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Turlock metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $111,682 (2019) to $132,342 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $140,293 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,611 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Turlock 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) | $79,030 – $110,597 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $110,597 – $136,259 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $136,259 – $168,623 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $168,623 – $206,658 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Turlock
With 17 optometrists currently practicing in Turlock, the job market reflects a stable demand for eye care professionals. However, it's crucial to consider the cost of living index of 113.1, which indicates that expenses in the area are above the national average. This dynamic may impact take-home pay and purchasing power for residents. Among local employers, those in private optometry practices and ophthalmology centers typically offer the highest compensation packages, particularly for optometrists with advanced training, such as those specializing in ocular disease. Variability in salaries is often driven by factors including practice ownership, experience with the OD/MD model, and whether one has pursued residency training. Optometrists seeking to maximize their income in Turlock should focus on gaining experience in specialty areas and consider alignment with practices that utilize advanced co-management approaches, thereby enhancing their market value.
More salary data for Turlock, 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 $132,342 for optometristsin the Turlock 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 Turlock 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