Optometrist Salary in Carson, CA: $136,558 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Carson, CA earns a median $136,558/year (≈ $65.66/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Carson's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $120,741 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Carson, California, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $136,558 in 2026. This figure reflects regional cost adjustments and is slightly below the national median of $140,612. The salary range for optometrists in this area spans from $79,204 for the lowest 10% to as high as $208,050 for the top 90%. One key factor contributing to these earnings is the potential revenue from OD/MD co-management, where optometrists work alongside ophthalmologists, allowing them to partake in surgical referral revenue. With the evolving landscape of optometry — including enhanced services and expanded scopes of practice — Carson's job market for optometrists remains a promising avenue for both new graduates and seasoned professionals.
About the Carson Market
Salary estimated from California average ($160,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,204 | $38.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $111,193 | $53.46 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $136,558 | $65.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $161,048 | $77.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $208,050 | $100.03 |
Median Salary Position
2.88% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Carson
In Carson, CA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $128,846 (2026 est.). At $136,558, the local median is 2.88% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Carson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Carson Optometrist Pay Compares
Carson median: $136,558/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Carson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $139,345 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -2.88% less |
Optometrists in Carson, CA earn a median of $136,558 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.88% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.00% below the California state average of $139,345.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Carson has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Carson, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $136,558 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $120,741 — a 11.58% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$111,927
2025 BLS Actual
$132,632
2026 Current Est.
$136,558
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Carson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $111,927 | Actual |
| 2020 | $114,646 | Actual |
| 2021 | $120,716 | Actual |
| 2022 | $121,969 | Actual |
| 2023 | $128,058 | Actual |
| 2024 | $177,352 | Actual |
| 2025 | $132,632 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $136,558 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $140,600 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Carson metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $111,927 (2019) to $132,632 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $140,600 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,673 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carson 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) | $79,204 – $111,193 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $111,193 – $136,558 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $136,558 – $161,048 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $161,048 – $208,050 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Carson
The local job market in Carson employs about 21 optometrists, which provides a Clear picture of the available opportunities in the field. The cost of living index stands at 113.1, slightly above the national average, which can impact take-home pay and lifestyle choices for practitioners. Among the various employers in the area, those operating under the OD/MD practice model typically offer the most lucrative positions, benefitting from the revenue sharing that accompanies surgical referrals. Conversely, retail optical chains may provide lower salaries due to their operational structure. Factors contributing to the salary spectrum include the ownership of the practice, additional income from managing ocular diseases, and residency training. To maximize earning potential in Carson, optometrists should consider pursuing advanced credentials, targeting group practices, and staying connected with the AOA network for professional development opportunities.
More salary data for Carson, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Carson, CA in 2026?
Is Carson, CA a good place to work as a optometrist?
Can optometrists make $100K in Carson?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Carson?
How much does a optometrist make per hour in Carson?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 $132,632 for optometristsin the Carson 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 Carson 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