Optometrist Salary in La Habra, CA: $134,549 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in La Habra, CA earns a median $134,549/year (≈ $64.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in La Habra's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $118,965 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With the growing emphasis on the OD/MD model of surgical co-management, optometrist salaries in La Habra, California, reflect a promising outlook for professionals in this field. Projected to reach a median annual salary of $134,549 in 2026, these figures indicate that optometrists in La Habra can expect to earn between $78,039 at the lower end and $200,641 for top earners. These estimates are derived from state-level data and regional cost adjustments, suggesting that the local market for optometrists is competitive yet slightly lagging compared to the national median of $140,612. The expansion of optometry practice likely contributes to the growing demand for skilled professionals, enhancing the earning potential in this vibrant community.
About the La Habra Market
Salary estimated from California average ($160,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,039 | $37.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $107,206 | $51.54 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $134,549 | $64.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $164,453 | $79.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $200,641 | $96.46 |
Median Salary Position
4.31% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in La Habra
In La Habra, CA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $122,602 (2026 est.). At $134,549, the local median is 4.31% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in La Habra: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How La Habra Optometrist Pay Compares
La Habra median: $134,549/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | La Habra Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $139,285 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -4.31% less |
Optometrists in La Habra, CA earn a median of $134,549 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.31% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.40% below the California state average of $139,285.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
La Habra has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
La Habra, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $134,549 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $118,965 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$110,280
2025 BLS Actual
$130,681
2026 Current Est.
$134,549
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in La Habra (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $110,280 | Actual |
| 2020 | $112,960 | Actual |
| 2021 | $118,940 | Actual |
| 2022 | $120,174 | Actual |
| 2023 | $126,174 | Actual |
| 2024 | $174,743 | Actual |
| 2025 | $130,681 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $134,549 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $138,532 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the La Habra metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $110,280 (2019) to $130,681 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $138,532 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,252 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the La Habra 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) | $78,039 – $107,206 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $107,206 – $134,549 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $134,549 – $164,453 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $164,453 – $200,641 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in La Habra
In La Habra, the employment landscape for optometrists appears steady, with approximately 16 professionals currently practicing in the area. A key factor influencing the local economy is the cost of living index, which stands at 113.1, indicating that living expenses are higher than the national average. This reality affects take-home pay and purchasing power for optometrists. Employers such as private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and ophthalmology groups play a significant role in salary variation. Typically, private practices and those operating under the OD/MD model may offer greater financial incentives due to shared revenue from surgical referrals. Maximizing potential earnings in La Habra might involve pursuing additional residency training, specializing in ocular disease, or seeking employment with high-paying employers while keeping abreast of recent trends in practice ownership. Ultimately, understanding these dynamics can help optometrists in La Habra CA make informed career decisions regarding their professional paths and earning potential.
More salary data for La Habra, 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 $130,681 for optometristsin the La Habra 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 La Habra 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