Optometrist Salary in Folsom, CA: $144,103 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Folsom, CA earns a median $144,103/year (≈ $69.28/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Folsom's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $127,412 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Folsom, CA, can expect to earn a substantial salary, with a median annual figure projected at $144,103 in 2026. This represents a 2.48% increase over the national median of $140,612 for the same year. The salary range for optometrists in the area spans from $83,580 at the 10th percentile to $209,977 at the 90th percentile, reflecting diverse opportunities in the local market. These estimates are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price parity, making them relevant for optometrists practicing in Folsom, where the job market is shaped by an expanded scope of practice that includes glaucoma treatment, oral medications, and laser procedures. Consequently, such factors contribute to more competitive compensation and overall job attractiveness in this city.
About the Folsom Market
Salary estimated from California average ($160,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,580 | $40.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $111,595 | $53.65 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $144,103 | $69.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $172,851 | $83.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $209,977 | $100.95 |
Median Salary Position
2.48% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Folsom
In Folsom, CA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $126,397 (2026 est.). At $144,103, the local median is 2.48% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Folsom: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Folsom Optometrist Pay Compares
Folsom median: $144,103/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Folsom Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $139,364 | +3.40% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | +2.48% more |
Optometrists in Folsom, CA earn a median of $144,103 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.48% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 3.40% above the California state average of $139,364.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Folsom has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Folsom, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $144,103 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $127,412 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$118,111
2025 BLS Actual
$139,960
2026 Current Est.
$144,103
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Folsom (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $118,111 | Actual |
| 2020 | $120,980 | Actual |
| 2021 | $127,385 | Actual |
| 2022 | $128,707 | Actual |
| 2023 | $135,133 | Actual |
| 2024 | $180,361 | Actual |
| 2025 | $139,960 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $144,103 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $148,368 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Folsom metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $118,111 (2019) to $139,960 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $148,368 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,257 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Folsom 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) | $83,580 – $111,595 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $111,595 – $144,103 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $144,103 – $172,851 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $172,851 – $209,977 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Folsom
The local job market for optometrists in Folsom is notable, with 17 professionals actively employed in the area. While the cost of living index stands at 113.1, which is above the national average, it underscores the necessity for local optometrists to consider their take-home pay in light of living expenses. Employers in Folsom, including private optometry practices, retail optical chains like LensCrafters, and opthalmology practices utilizing the OD/MD model, typically dictate compensation levels. Factors such as ownership equity, practice setting, and specialized residency training can significantly influence the earnings potential—leading to considerable disparities between low and high salaries. To maximize pay in this market, optometrists should focus on enhancing their skills and credentials, exploring diverse employment models, and understanding the nuances of patient care alongside ophthalmologists to capture additional revenue streams.
More salary data for Folsom, 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 $139,960 for optometristsin the Folsom 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 Folsom 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