Optometrist Salary in Irvine, CA: $144,740 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Irvine, CA earns a median $144,740/year (≈ $69.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Irvine's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $127,975 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Irvine, California, optometrists are projected to earn a median annual salary of $144,740 in 2026, which represents a slight increase compared to the national median of $140,612. The salary spectrum reflects the diverse roles optometrists play in this region, with figures ranging from $83,949 at the 10th percentile to $224,347 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, which incorporate local cost-of-living adjustments based on 2025 BLS data, highlight a competitive job market in Irvine. The substantial earning potential can largely be attributed to the expanded scope of practice for optometrists in California, including the management of glaucoma and the prescription of oral medications, which positions local practitioners favorably within the healthcare landscape.
About the Irvine Market
Salary estimated from California average ($160,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,949 | $40.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $114,906 | $55.25 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $144,740 | $69.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $183,698 | $88.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $224,347 | $107.86 |
Median Salary Position
2.94% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Irvine
In Irvine, CA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $140,398 (2026 est.). At $144,740, the local median is 2.94% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Irvine: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Irvine Optometrist Pay Compares
Irvine median: $144,740/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Irvine Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $139,307 | +3.90% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | +2.94% more |
Optometrists in Irvine, CA earn a median of $144,740 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.94% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 3.90% above the California state average of $139,307.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Irvine has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Irvine, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $144,740 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $127,975 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$118,633
2025 BLS Actual
$140,579
2026 Current Est.
$144,740
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Irvine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $118,633 | Actual |
| 2020 | $121,515 | Actual |
| 2021 | $127,949 | Actual |
| 2022 | $129,277 | Actual |
| 2023 | $135,731 | Actual |
| 2024 | $187,979 | Actual |
| 2025 | $140,579 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $144,740 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $149,024 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Irvine metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $118,633 (2019) to $140,579 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $149,024 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,391 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Irvine 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) | $83,949 – $114,906 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $114,906 – $144,740 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $144,740 – $183,698 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $183,698 – $224,347 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Irvine
With 72 optometrists currently employed in Irvine, the job market is thriving, yet the cost of living index at 113.1 indicates that housing and everyday expenses are above the national average. This reality impacts the take-home pay of optometrists working in the area and must be factored into career decisions. Among potential employers, private optometry practices tend to offer the highest compensation, especially those that allow for practice ownership or follow an OD/MD model, which fosters revenue sharing from surgical referrals. In contrast, retail optical chains may provide lower salaries but can offer more predictable hours. To maximize earnings, optometrists in Irvine should consider gaining residency training or pursuing specializations that align with high-demand skills, such as ocular disease. Understanding the nuances of practice settings and their financial implications can help practitioners strategically navigate their careers in the local market.
More salary data for Irvine, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 $140,579 for optometristsin the Irvine 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 Irvine 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