verified BLS-Verified
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
May 2025 release
Optometrist Salary in California
Median Annual in California
$136,300/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$65.53/hr
▬ 0% about even with U.S. median
groups Employed in CA
6,890
public U.S. Median
$136,570
trending_up National Outlook
+9%
Optometrist pay in California, explained
Optometrists in California earn a median of $136,300 per year ($65.53 per hour), in line with the national median of $136,570. Entry-level workers earn around $99,890, while the most experienced optometrists reach about $213,710. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within California.
Optometrist in California: FAQ
How much do optometrists make in California?
Optometrists in California earn a median of $136,300 per year ($65.53 per hour), compared with $136,570 nationally.
Does California pay optometrists well?
At $136,300, California pays about the same as the national median for optometrists. An estimated 6,890 work in the state.