Optometrist Salary in Downey, CA: $141,084 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Downey, CA earns a median $141,084/year (≈ $67.83/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Downey's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $124,743 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists practicing in Downey, California, can anticipate a median annual salary of $141,084, slightly above the national median of $140,612. The salary range for these professionals varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at around $81,828 and experienced practitioners earning as much as $217,610. These figures, grounded in projections based on 2025 BLS data and local cost adjustments, reflect Downey's unique job market. The structural choices between owning a practice, working as an employed associate, or being part of a retail chain can significantly influence compensation levels for optometrists in the area, which is essential for prospective ODs to consider when evaluating career opportunities.
About the Downey Market
Salary estimated from California average ($160,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,828 | $39.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $112,795 | $54.23 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $141,084 | $67.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $175,620 | $84.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $217,610 | $104.62 |
Median Salary Position
0.34% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Downey
In Downey, CA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $135,782 (2026 est.). At $141,084, the local median is 0.34% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Downey: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Downey Optometrist Pay Compares
Downey median: $141,084/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Downey Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $139,273 | +1.30% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | +0.34% more |
Optometrists in Downey, CA earn a median of $141,084 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.34% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.30% above the California state average of $139,273.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Downey has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Downey, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $141,084 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $124,743 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$115,637
2025 BLS Actual
$137,028
2026 Current Est.
$141,084
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Downey (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $115,637 | Actual |
| 2020 | $118,446 | Actual |
| 2021 | $124,717 | Actual |
| 2022 | $126,011 | Actual |
| 2023 | $132,302 | Actual |
| 2024 | $183,230 | Actual |
| 2025 | $137,028 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $141,084 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $145,260 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Downey metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $115,637 (2019) to $137,028 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $145,260 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,623 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Downey 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) | $81,828 – $112,795 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $112,795 – $141,084 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $141,084 – $175,620 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $175,620 – $217,610 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Downey
With 22 optometrists currently employed in Downey, the local job market showcases a promising landscape for eye care professionals. However, the cost of living index at 113.1 suggests that those looking to maximize their earnings must be strategic about where they work. Generally, private optometry practices tend to offer higher pay compared to retail optical chains like LensCrafters or Visionworks. Additionally, optometrists working within the OD/MD model might benefit from shared revenue opportunities alongside ophthalmologists, while those with residency training may command a premium when seeking positions. To boost their earning potential in this specific market, ODs should consider further specialization in areas like glaucoma management or ocular disease, as well as explore opportunities in practice ownership or partnerships that can offer greater equity in their practice's success. With careful navigation of these factors, opting for roles that align with both financial and professional goals can enhance overall satisfaction and compensation in Downey, CA.
More salary data for Downey, 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 $137,028 for optometristsin the Downey 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 Downey 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