Optometrist Salary in Mission Viejo, CA: $140,630 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Mission Viejo, CA earns a median $140,630/year (≈ $67.61/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Mission Viejo's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $124,341 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Mission Viejo, California, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $140,630, slightly above the national median of $140,612. This figure reflects not only the earnings potential for employed associates but also the diverse landscape of practice ownership and retail chains in the area. Salaries range from $81,565 at the lower end to $203,365 for the top earners, with the local compensation figures taking into account the region's cost-of-living adjustments. As the demand for eye care services continues to evolve, particularly in the context of the expanding scope of practice for optometrists—including glaucoma management and minor surgical procedures—Mission Viejo offers a dynamic job market that could influence both earnings and employment opportunities.
About the Mission Viejo Market
Salary estimated from California average ($160,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,565 | $39.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $111,053 | $53.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $140,630 | $67.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $167,754 | $80.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $203,365 | $97.77 |
Median Salary Position
0.01% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mission Viejo
In Mission Viejo, CA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $121,800 (2026 est.). At $140,630, the local median is 0.01% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Mission Viejo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Mission Viejo Optometrist Pay Compares
Mission Viejo median: $140,630/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mission Viejo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $139,376 | +0.90% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | +0.01% more |
Optometrists in Mission Viejo, CA earn a median of $140,630 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.01% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 0.90% above the California state average of $139,376.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Mission Viejo has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Mission Viejo, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $140,630 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $124,341 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$115,264
2025 BLS Actual
$136,587
2026 Current Est.
$140,630
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Mission Viejo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $115,264 | Actual |
| 2020 | $118,065 | Actual |
| 2021 | $124,315 | Actual |
| 2022 | $125,606 | Actual |
| 2023 | $131,876 | Actual |
| 2024 | $182,640 | Actual |
| 2025 | $136,587 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $140,630 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $144,793 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mission Viejo metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $115,264 (2019) to $136,587 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $144,793 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,529 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mission Viejo 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) | $81,565 – $111,053 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $111,053 – $140,630 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $140,630 – $167,754 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $167,754 – $203,365 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Mission Viejo
The local job market for optometrists in Mission Viejo includes 23 professionals, which reveals a competitive yet promising landscape for those entering the field. The cost-of-living index sits at 113.1, signifying that living expenses are above the national average, which can have a significant impact on take-home pay. Among employers, private optometry practices and ophthalmology clinics typically provide the highest compensation, especially for those with residency training in ocular disease or who work closely with surgical teams. Factors influencing the salary range include the choice between private practice and retail optical chains, as well as negotiation strategies for employment terms after acquisitions by private equity firms. For those looking to maximize their earnings, focusing on gaining experience in higher-paying practices, pursuing residency training, and exploring opportunities that enhance clinical scope can be vital strategies in the current job market.
More salary data for Mission Viejo, 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 $136,587 for optometristsin the Mission Viejo 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 Mission Viejo 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