Senior Optometrist Salary in Los Angeles, CA: $215,732 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of optometrists working in Los Angeles, CA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $215,732/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1041. Strip back Los Angeles's price premium (BEA RPP 113.6, 14% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $189,962 in average-cost America. The 51% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
Top-tier compensation for senior optometrists in Los Angeles, CA, reflects the competitive nature of this market. By 2026, experienced optometrists can anticipate a median annual salary of $143,053, with top earners (P90) making an impressive $215,732. This figure not only highlights the financial rewards awaiting those with advanced skill sets and substantial experience, but it also underscores a significant experience premium when contrasted with the median salary. The sizable gap between the median and top earners illustrates that achieving high earnings in this field requires specialized expertise, such as ocular disease management or advanced pediatric optometry, along with a demonstrated ability to navigate complex patient needs.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Los Angeles
Experienced optometrists at the top of the pay scale in Los Angeles earn between $166,188 and $215,732 per year (2026 est.). This $140,015 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Los Angeles median of $143,053 sits 1.74% above the US median.
Top OD Salary Comparison
| Level | Los Angeles | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $143,053 | $140,612 |
| 75th Percentile | $166,188 | $170,008 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $215,732 | $208,165 |
In Los Angeles, experienced optometrists (P90) earn 50.81% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Optometrist Pay in Los Angeles
Advanced Certifications in California
CA optometrists with additional specialty certifications within the optometry field earn significantly above the $143,053 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Los Angeles employers.
Specialty Focus
Optometrists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the optometry field in Los Angeles command premium compensation, often reaching the $166,188–$215,732 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Los Angeles metro area, which is a large OD employment market, often pay above-market rates for experienced optometrists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured optometrists in Los Angeles with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Optometrists in California who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Optometrist Career & Wage Growth Path in Los Angeles
Clinical Optometrist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Optometrist
5-10 yearsOptometrist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLos Angeles ranks #31 of 157 California cities for top earner optometrist salary (90th percentile: $215,732).
Top 10% optometrist compensation in Los Angeles ($215,732) is 0.14% above the California average P90 ($215,421).
2019 BLS Actual
$180,500
2025 BLS Actual
$209,530
2026 Current Est.
$215,732
2019–2027 Growth
+23.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Los Angeles (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $180,500 | Actual |
| 2020 | $190,860 | Actual |
| 2021 | $164,620 | Actual |
| 2022 | $180,820 | Actual |
| 2023 | $209,640 | Actual |
| 2024 | $206,540 | Actual |
| 2025 | $209,530 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $215,732 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $222,118 | Projected |
Top-earning optometrists (90th percentile) in Los Angeles saw their compensation grow 16.1% from $180,500 in 2019 to $209,530 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.96% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $222,118 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Los Angeles 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.
Maximizing Your Optometrist Earnings in Los Angeles
Compensation dynamics at the senior level are extensively influenced by specializations and practice settings. In Los Angeles, optometrists who focus on ocular disease, pediatric optometry, and low vision rehabilitation stand to command premium pay, given the specialized training and certifications required. The choice of employer also plays a crucial role in salary, as those working in private practices or ophthalmology partnerships often earn more than those in retail chains. Furthermore, leadership positions such as practice ownership or various roles in academia increase earning potential significantly. Advanced credentials, particularly completion of a residency program, not only enhance one’s skill set but can also lead to higher compensation. Non-salary perks, such as equity in a practice or revenue-sharing arrangements within OD/MD collaborative settings, further enrich the overall compensation package for seasoned professionals in this dynamic field.
More salary data for Los Angeles, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced optometrists make in Los Angeles in 2026?
What drives higher optometrist pay in Los Angeles?
What certifications boost optometrist salary in Los Angeles?
Can experienced optometrists make six figures in Los Angeles?
How much does optometrist salary increase over time in Los Angeles?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in California
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $209,530 for optometrists in the Los Angeles metro area. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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