Optometrist Salary in Berkeley, CA: $139,857 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Berkeley, CA earns a median $139,857/year (≈ $67.24/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Berkeley's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $123,658 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Berkeley, California, can expect a median annual salary of $139,857, which is slightly below the national median of $140,612. The salary range for optometrists in the area varies widely, with the lower 10% earning around $81,117 and the top 90% reaching upwards of $204,168. These projections are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors. The competitive compensation reflects California's expanded scope of practice, which allows optometrists to manage conditions like glaucoma, prescribe oral medications, and perform certain laser procedures. This expanded scope not only enhances the versatility of optometrists but also contributes to a robust job market in Berkeley.
About the Berkeley Market
Salary estimated from California average ($160,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,117 | $39.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $113,395 | $54.52 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $139,857 | $67.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $167,231 | $80.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $204,168 | $98.16 |
Median Salary Position
0.54% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Berkeley
In Berkeley, CA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $123,051 (2026 est.). At $139,857, the local median is 0.54% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Berkeley: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Berkeley Optometrist Pay Compares
Berkeley median: $139,857/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Berkeley Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $139,300 | +0.40% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | -0.54% less |
Optometrists in Berkeley, CA earn a median of $139,857 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.54% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.40% above the California state average of $139,300.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Berkeley has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Berkeley, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $139,857 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $123,658 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$114,631
2025 BLS Actual
$135,836
2026 Current Est.
$139,857
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Berkeley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $114,631 | Actual |
| 2020 | $117,416 | Actual |
| 2021 | $123,632 | Actual |
| 2022 | $124,915 | Actual |
| 2023 | $131,151 | Actual |
| 2024 | $181,636 | Actual |
| 2025 | $135,836 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $139,857 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $143,997 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Berkeley metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $114,631 (2019) to $135,836 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $143,997 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,366 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Berkeley 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) | $81,117 – $113,395 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $113,395 – $139,857 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $139,857 – $167,231 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $167,231 – $204,168 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Berkeley
In Berkeley, there are currently 23 optometrists, indicating a stable job market for professionals in this field. However, the cost of living here is notably high, with a cost-of-living index of 113.1, which can affect take-home pay and purchasing power. Among the various employers, private optometry practices often provide the highest salaries, particularly for those who have developed a referral network or own their practices. The disparity in earnings can stem from several factors, including ownership stakes, practice settings (private vs. retail chains), and whether optometrists are working alongside ophthalmologists in an OD/MD model. For those looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing additional residency training focused on ocular disease or joining private practices that have not been acquired by private equity can be advantageous strategies in this competitive Berkeley market.
More salary data for Berkeley, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $135,836 for optometristsin the Berkeley 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 Berkeley 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