Elk Grove vs Los Angeles: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Elk Grove, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elk Grove, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $141,456 | $143,053▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $68.01 | $68.78▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,045▲ | $75,717 |
| 25th Percentile | $108,198 | $131,325▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $171,200▲ | $166,188 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $209,411 | $215,732▲ |
| Total Employed | 25 | 2,360▲ |
Verdict
Los Angeles, CA offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Elk Grove.
The salary gap between Elk Grove and Los Angeles is $1,597 (1.13%). Los Angeles's median is +1.74% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elk Grove spans $127,366,Los Angeles spans $140,015. Los Angeles has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced optometrists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Los Angeles ($125,965 effective) pays 0.71% more than Elk Grove ($125,072 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elk Grove if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($143,053/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($215,732)
- ✓Larger job market (2,360 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $125,965)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Elk Grove grew -25.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.5% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Elk Grove, CA
$183,713 (2024) → $137,389 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$121,370 (2019) → $138,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Elk Grove, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Elk Grove or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Elk Grove and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from Elk Grove to Los Angeles as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Elk Grove vs Los Angeles?
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