Manteca vs San Francisco: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Manteca, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Manteca, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,215 | $146,800▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $65.49 | $70.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,004 | $110,970▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $110,508 | $132,715▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $165,430 | $178,388▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $201,883 | $227,902▲ |
| Total Employed | 13 | 1,180▲ |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Manteca.
The salary gap between Manteca and San Francisco is $10,585 (7.77%). San Francisco's median is +4.40% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Manteca spans $122,879,San Francisco spans $116,932. Manteca 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, San Francisco ($126,975 effective) pays 5.43% more than Manteca ($120,438 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Manteca if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($146,800/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($227,902)
- ✓Larger job market (1,180 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $126,975)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Manteca grew -25.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.6% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Manteca, CA
$176,907 (2024) → $132,299 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$122,310 (2019) → $142,580 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Manteca, CA
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Manteca or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Manteca and San Francisco?
Should I relocate from Manteca to San Francisco as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Manteca vs San Francisco?
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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