Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links marked with (Ad). If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Learn more
Optometrists Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Optometrists make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$136,300
Median Annual Salary
▼
-0.6% vs 2024
$147,420
Mean Salary
$136,300
Median Salary
$65.53
Hourly Rate
6,890 people work as Optometrists in California
Optometrists salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Optometrists in California earn a median salary of $136,300 per year ($11,358/month).
This is 0.1% above the national average of $136,108.
California ranks #22 out of 51 states for Optometrists pay.
Approximately 6,890 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries decreased by 0.6% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Optometrists
Diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system. Examine eyes and visual system, diagnose problems or impairments, prescribe corrective lenses, and provide treatment. May prescribe therapeutic drugs to treat specific eye conditions.
Top Skills
Reading Comprehension
4.12
Active Listening
4.12
Critical Thinking
4.12
Writing
4.0
Speaking
4.0
Key Knowledge Areas
Medicine and Dentistry
4.81
Biology
4.52
Customer and Personal Service
4.4
English Language
3.9
Mathematics
3.62
Typical Education: Doctoral Degree
(95.2% of workers)
Salaries for Optometrists in California range from $99,890 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $213,710 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $122,960 and $166,300.
The median annual salary for Optometrists in California is $136,300 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $147,420.
What is the salary range for a Optometrists in California?
Salaries for Optometrists in California range from $99,890 at the 10th percentile to $213,710 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $122,960 and $166,300.
What is the starting salary for a Optometrists in California?
Entry-level Optometrists positions in California typically start around $99,890 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $122,960 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Optometrists in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 6,890 people are employed as Optometrists in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Optometrists in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Optometrists in California is approximately $65.53 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
We use cookies to improve your experience, analyze site traffic, and serve relevant ads.
You can choose which categories to allow. For details, see our
Privacy Policy and
Cookie List.