Los Angeles vs Petaluma: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Petaluma, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Petaluma, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $143,053 | $168,627▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $68.78 | $81.07▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,717 | $97,804▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $131,325 | $137,402▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $166,188 | $205,392▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $215,732 | $250,919▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,360▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Petaluma, CA offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Petaluma is $25,574 (17.88%). Petaluma's median is +19.92% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $140,015,Petaluma spans $153,115. Petaluma 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, Petaluma ($149,095 effective) pays 18.36% more than Los Angeles ($125,965 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,360 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Petaluma if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($168,627/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($250,919)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $149,095)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Los Angeles grew 14.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -7.7% growth in Petaluma over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$121,370 (2019) → $138,940 (2025)
Petaluma, CA
$177,438 (2024) → $163,779 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Petaluma, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Los Angeles or Petaluma?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Petaluma?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Petaluma as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Los Angeles vs Petaluma?
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