Optometrist Salary in Oakley, CA: $134,880 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Oakley, CA earns a median $134,880/year (≈ $64.84/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Oakley's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $119,257 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Oakley, California, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $134,880, which is slightly below the national average of $140,612. The local salary range demonstrates significant variability, with the lowest earners making around $78,230 and the highest reaching up to $196,649. These figures, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, reflect the unique dynamics of the local job market, which includes not only employed associates but also opportunities for practice ownership or employment at retail chains. The choice between these structural models can greatly influence potential earnings as well as personal job satisfaction and professional growth within the community.
About the Oakley Market
Salary estimated from California average ($160,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,230 | $37.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $112,827 | $54.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $134,880 | $64.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $163,002 | $78.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $196,649 | $94.55 |
Median Salary Position
4.08% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oakley
In Oakley, CA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $118,419 (2026 est.). At $134,880, the local median is 4.08% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Oakley: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Oakley Optometrist Pay Compares
Oakley median: $134,880/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Oakley Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $139,338 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -4.08% less |
Optometrists in Oakley, CA earn a median of $134,880 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.08% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.20% below the California state average of $139,338.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Oakley has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Oakley, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $134,880 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $119,257 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$110,551
2025 BLS Actual
$131,002
2026 Current Est.
$134,880
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Oakley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $110,551 | Actual |
| 2020 | $113,237 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,232 | Actual |
| 2022 | $120,470 | Actual |
| 2023 | $126,484 | Actual |
| 2024 | $175,173 | Actual |
| 2025 | $131,002 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $134,880 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $138,872 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oakley metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $110,551 (2019) to $131,002 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $138,872 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,321 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oakley 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) | $78,230 – $112,827 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $112,827 – $134,880 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $134,880 – $163,002 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $163,002 – $196,649 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Oakley
Analyzing the optometrist pay in Oakley, CA, indicates a robust local job market with only eight optometrists currently employed. The cost of living index stands at 113.1, suggesting that while salaries are competitive, take-home purchasing power may be impacted by higher living expenses. Private practice ownership, especially for those trained in ocular disease through residency programs, often leads to higher compensation compared to retail chains, which typically offer consistent salaries but with limited earning potential tied to store performance and bonuses. In Oakley, the ability to build relationships with patients, develop a local reputation, and expand practice services—including the management of conditions like glaucoma—can significantly enhance earnings. Optometrists looking to increase their pay in this market should consider further specialization, exploring opportunities in ophthalmology practices, or transitioning to higher-paying employment structures as the industry evolves.
More salary data for Oakley, 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 $131,002 for optometristsin the Oakley 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 Oakley 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