Lake Forest vs Sacramento: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Lake Forest, CA and Sacramento, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lake Forest, CA | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,800 | $143,135▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $65.77 | $68.82▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,344 | $108,993▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $108,685 | $124,283▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $166,836 | $190,805▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $203,910 | $225,554▲ |
| Total Employed | 14 | 510▲ |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lake Forest.
The salary gap between Lake Forest and Sacramento is $6,335 (4.63%). 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 Lake Forest spans $124,566,Sacramento spans $116,561. Lake Forest 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 10.94% more than Lake Forest ($120,955 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest grew -25.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.6% growth in Sacramento over the same period.
Lake Forest, CA
$177,667 (2024) → $132,867 (2025)
Sacramento, CA
$120,210 (2019) → $139,020 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lake Forest, CA
Sacramento, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Lake Forest or Sacramento?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lake Forest and Sacramento?
Should I relocate from Lake Forest to Sacramento as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Lake Forest vs Sacramento?
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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