Optometrist Salary in Anaheim, CA: $145,599 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Anaheim, CA earns a median $145,599/year (≈ $70.00/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Anaheim's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $128,735 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Anaheim, California, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $145,599 in 2026, reflecting a noteworthy increase compared to the national average of $140,612. The salary range for this profession in the city spans from $84,448 at the 10th percentile to $225,651 at the 90th percentile, highlighting significant earning potential based on factors such as practice ownership, experience, and work settings. Those opting for private practice may find higher compensation through equity stakes, while employed associates in retail chains or ophthalmology practices often receive a different pay structure. Local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments indicate that Anaheim’s distinct job market favors both experienced optometrists and those willing to navigate diverse practice environments.
About the Anaheim Market
Salary estimated from California average ($160,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,448 | $40.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $111,919 | $53.81 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $145,599 | $70.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $180,992 | $87.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $225,651 | $108.49 |
Median Salary Position
3.55% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Anaheim
In Anaheim, CA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $141,203 (2026 est.). At $145,599, the local median is 3.55% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Anaheim: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Anaheim Optometrist Pay Compares
Anaheim median: $145,599/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Anaheim Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $139,329 | +4.50% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | +3.55% more |
Optometrists in Anaheim, CA earn a median of $145,599 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.55% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 4.50% above the California state average of $139,329.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Anaheim has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Anaheim, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $145,599 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $128,735 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$119,337
2025 BLS Actual
$141,413
2026 Current Est.
$145,599
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Anaheim (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $119,337 | Actual |
| 2020 | $122,236 | Actual |
| 2021 | $128,708 | Actual |
| 2022 | $130,044 | Actual |
| 2023 | $136,536 | Actual |
| 2024 | $193,390 | Actual |
| 2025 | $141,413 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $145,599 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $149,909 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Anaheim metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $119,337 (2019) to $141,413 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $149,909 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,572 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Anaheim metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.96% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $84,448 – $111,919 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $111,919 – $145,599 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $145,599 – $180,992 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $180,992 – $225,651 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Anaheim
In Anaheim, the employment landscape for optometrists shows a steady demand, with 51 professionals currently holding positions in the area. The cost of living index sits at 113.1, outpacing the national average and influencing take-home pay considerations for those in the field. Among various employment settings, private optometry practices have the potential to offer the highest salaries, particularly those that have resisted acquisition by private equity or operated within the OD/MD model. Factors contributing to the salary disparity include the potential for surgical referral revenue share in collaborative practice environments, specialized residency training, and how the current market influences formerly privately owned practices post-acquisition. Aspiring optometrists or those already in the field can enhance their pay by gaining residency training, exploring ownership opportunities in private practice, and maintaining an adaptable approach to the evolving demands of the optometric profession in Anaheim, CA.
More salary data for Anaheim, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Anaheim?
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Related Pages
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $141,413 for optometristsin the Anaheim metropolitan area. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Anaheim is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.96%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for optometrists (SOC 29-1041).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov