Optometrist Salary in Bellflower, CA: $138,511 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Bellflower, CA earns a median $138,511/year (≈ $66.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Bellflower's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $122,468 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The projected median annual optometrist salary in Bellflower, CA, is set at $138,511 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $140,612 for the same year. This discrepancy can be attributed partly to the unique healthcare market structure in the region, particularly the prevalent use of the OD/MD model for surgical co-management, which can enhance earnings through shared revenue from surgical referrals. Optometrists in Bellflower can expect to earn between $80,337 and $209,896, depending on factors such as experience, specialization, or practice ownership. These figures are derived from state-level data and regional price adjustments, reflecting the economic conditions local to Bellflower.
About the Bellflower Market
Salary estimated from California average ($160,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,337 | $38.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $112,105 | $53.90 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $138,511 | $66.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $170,984 | $82.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $209,896 | $100.91 |
Median Salary Position
1.49% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bellflower
In Bellflower, CA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $129,559 (2026 est.). At $138,511, the local median is 1.49% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bellflower: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bellflower Optometrist Pay Compares
Bellflower median: $138,511/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bellflower Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $139,347 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -1.49% less |
Optometrists in Bellflower, CA earn a median of $138,511 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.49% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.60% below the California state average of $139,347.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bellflower has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bellflower, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $138,511 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $122,468 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$113,528
2025 BLS Actual
$134,529
2026 Current Est.
$138,511
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Bellflower (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $113,528 | Actual |
| 2020 | $116,286 | Actual |
| 2021 | $122,442 | Actual |
| 2022 | $123,713 | Actual |
| 2023 | $129,889 | Actual |
| 2024 | $179,888 | Actual |
| 2025 | $134,529 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $138,511 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $142,611 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bellflower metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $113,528 (2019) to $134,529 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $142,611 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,083 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bellflower 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) | $80,337 – $112,105 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $112,105 – $138,511 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $138,511 – $170,984 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $170,984 – $209,896 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Bellflower
In Bellflower, the job market for optometrists employs approximately 11 professionals, a relatively small but active demographic. Given the cost-of-living index of 113.1, which is above the national average, the purchasing power of optometrists in the area is somewhat constrained despite their respectable salaries. The highest-paying employers tend to be those offering the OD/MD model, as they provide additional income streams through surgical referrals. Competition between retail optical chains and private practices can also shape salary outcomes, where private equity acquisition may lead to varying compensation packages. To optimize earnings in this market, optometrists should consider enhancing their skills through residency training, particularly in ocular disease, and pursue roles that allow for surgical collaboration, as these factors significantly influence salary potential in Bellflower, CA.
More salary data for Bellflower, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Bellflower?
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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 $134,529 for optometristsin the Bellflower 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 Bellflower 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