Optometrist Salary in Hemet, CA: $139,658 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Hemet, CA earns a median $139,658/year (≈ $67.14/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Hemet's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $123,482 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hemet, California, the 2026 projected optometrist salary stands at $139,658, reflecting a competitive pay structure when compared to the national median of $140,612. The salary range for optometrists in the area varies significantly, with figures stretching from $81,002 at the low end to $199,993 at the high end. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data adjusted for regional cost factors, accommodating a cost of living index of 113.1. Depending on their practice structure, such as ownership of private practices or employment with retail chains, optometrists in Hemet can experience varied compensation levels that may impact their earnings significantly.
About the Hemet Market
Salary estimated from California average ($160,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,002 | $38.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109,105 | $52.46 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $139,658 | $67.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $165,415 | $79.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $199,993 | $96.15 |
Median Salary Position
0.68% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hemet
In Hemet, CA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $118,991 (2026 est.). At $139,658, the local median is 0.68% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hemet: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hemet Optometrist Pay Compares
Hemet median: $139,658/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hemet Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $139,379 | +0.20% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | -0.68% less |
Optometrists in Hemet, CA earn a median of $139,658 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.68% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.20% above the California state average of $139,379.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hemet has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hemet, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $139,658 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $123,482 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$114,468
2025 BLS Actual
$135,643
2026 Current Est.
$139,658
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Hemet (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $114,468 | Actual |
| 2020 | $117,249 | Actual |
| 2021 | $123,456 | Actual |
| 2022 | $124,738 | Actual |
| 2023 | $130,965 | Actual |
| 2024 | $181,379 | Actual |
| 2025 | $135,643 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $139,658 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $143,792 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hemet metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $114,468 (2019) to $135,643 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $143,792 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,324 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hemet 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) | $81,002 – $109,105 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $109,105 – $139,658 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $139,658 – $165,415 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $165,415 – $199,993 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Hemet
The local job market in Hemet features a focused group of 14 employed optometrists, indicating potential for collaborative growth among practitioners. However, the cost of living presents a challenge, necessitating careful financial consideration for those entering the field. Salaries in Hemet, which support a lifestyle slightly above the national average, might not stretch as far when compared to larger markets. Employers such as private optometry practices often deliver the highest pay, particularly for those engaged in specialty areas like ocular diseases or with residency training. The disparity in salaries can be attributed to multiple factors, including practice ownership equity, the available patient base, and the operational models of retail optical chains versus private practices. Aspiring optometrists should consider maximizing their compensation by exploring opportunities with ophthalmology practices, enhancing their qualifications through residency, and recognizing the evolving scope-of-practice as openings arise in areas like glaucoma management and minor surgical procedures.
More salary data for Hemet, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Hemet?
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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 $135,643 for optometristsin the Hemet 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 Hemet 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