El Cajon vs Sacramento: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between El Cajon, CA and Sacramento, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | El Cajon, CA | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $138,607 | $143,135▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $66.64 | $68.82▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,392 | $108,993▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $107,915 | $124,283▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $169,579 | $190,805▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $208,813 | $225,554▲ |
| Total Employed | 18 | 510▲ |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to El Cajon.
The salary gap between El Cajon and Sacramento is $4,528 (3.27%). Sacramento's median is +1.79% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in El Cajon spans $128,421,Sacramento spans $116,561. El Cajon has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Sacramento ($134,185 effective) pays 9.49% more than El Cajon ($122,553 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose El Cajon if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($143,135/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($225,554)
- ✓Larger job market (510 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $134,185)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in El Cajon grew -25.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.6% growth in Sacramento over the same period.
El Cajon, CA
$180,013 (2024) → $134,622 (2025)
Sacramento, CA
$120,210 (2019) → $139,020 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
El Cajon, CA
Sacramento, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: El Cajon or Sacramento?
What is the hourly rate difference between El Cajon and Sacramento?
Should I relocate from El Cajon to Sacramento as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in El Cajon vs Sacramento?
Related Comparisons
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.96% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov