Optometrist Salary in Pasadena, TX: $126,651 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Pasadena, TX earns a median $126,651/year (≈ $60.89/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Pasadena's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $131,928 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.7% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Projected salaries for optometrists in Pasadena, TX, indicate a median annual pay of $126,651 as of 2026, positioning local professionals below the national median of $140,612. The salary range for optometrists in the area varies significantly, with the bottom 10% earning around $73,458 and the top 10% reaching upwards of $190,988. These figures, calculated from state-level estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost variations, reflect earnings that take into account additional revenue from surgical co-management, particularly in the OD/MD model, which can enhance overall compensation for optometrists working closely with ophthalmologists. This understanding of local salary expectations proves essential for optometrists considering their career trajectory in Pasadena's competitive job market.
About the Pasadena Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,458 | $35.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $101,652 | $48.88 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $126,651 | $60.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $155,455 | $74.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $190,988 | $91.82 |
Median Salary Position
9.93% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pasadena
In Pasadena, TX, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $117,530 (2026 est.). At $126,651, the local median is 9.93% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pasadena: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pasadena Optometrist Pay Compares
Pasadena median: $126,651/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pasadena Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $134,307 | -5.70% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -9.93% less |
Optometrists in Pasadena, TX earn a median of $126,651 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.93% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 5.70% below the Texas state average of $134,307.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pasadena has a cost of living 4.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pasadena, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $126,651 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $131,928 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$103,807
2025 BLS Actual
$123,010
2026 Current Est.
$126,651
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Pasadena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $103,807 | Actual |
| 2020 | $106,329 | Actual |
| 2021 | $111,958 | Actual |
| 2022 | $113,120 | Actual |
| 2023 | $118,768 | Actual |
| 2024 | $132,055 | Actual |
| 2025 | $123,010 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $126,651 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $130,400 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pasadena metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $103,807 (2019) to $123,010 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $130,400 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,593 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pasadena 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) | $73,458 – $101,652 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $101,652 – $126,651 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $126,651 – $155,455 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $155,455 – $190,988 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Pasadena
At present, there are 32 optometrists employed in Pasadena, creating a compact but potentially lucrative local job market, especially given the cost of living index of 96, which suggests that housing and other expenses are below the national average. This enhanced purchasing power offers a practical advantage to professionals in the area. Employers that are likely to offer higher pay include ophthalmology practices that operate under the OD/MD model, as they can deliver substantial surgical referral revenue. Conversely, retail optical chains typically offer lower salaries compared to private practices. Factors such as the potential for ownership equity, the experience of residency training (especially in ocular disease), and the conditions of employment following acquisitions by private equity firms all contribute to a range of compensation in Pasadena. To maximize earnings, optometrists should explore opportunities in private practices with strong community ties and focus on expanding their skill sets in in-demand areas such as glaucoma management and minor surgical procedures, which can enhance their value in this evolving market.
More salary data for Pasadena, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Pasadena, TX in 2026?
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Can optometrists make $100K in Pasadena?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Pasadena?
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Related Pages
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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 $123,010 for optometristsin the Pasadena 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 Pasadena 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