Optometrist Salary in San Bernardino, CA: $134,003 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in San Bernardino, CA earns a median $134,003/year (≈ $64.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in San Bernardino's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $118,482 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in San Bernardino, CA, can expect a median annual salary of $134,003, which reflects a slight dip compared to the national median of $140,612. The salary range for this role spans from $77,722 at the 10th percentile to $207,705 at the 90th percentile, suggesting a diverse job market influenced by the choice between practice ownership, employed associate roles, or retail chain opportunities. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for local prices, highlight how optometrists' earnings can significantly vary depending on their employment model. In a city where practice structure impacts financial outcomes, understanding the nuances of the San Bernardino job market is essential for both current practitioners and those entering the field.
About the San Bernardino Market
Salary estimated from California average ($160,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,722 | $37.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $108,253 | $52.05 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $134,003 | $64.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $164,008 | $78.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $207,705 | $99.86 |
Median Salary Position
4.7% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in San Bernardino
In San Bernardino, CA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $129,983 (2026 est.). At $134,003, the local median is 4.7% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in San Bernardino: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How San Bernardino Optometrist Pay Compares
San Bernardino median: $134,003/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | San Bernardino Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $139,297 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -4.70% less |
Optometrists in San Bernardino, CA earn a median of $134,003 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.70% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.80% below the California state average of $139,297.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
San Bernardino has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
San Bernardino, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $134,003 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $118,482 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$109,833
2025 BLS Actual
$130,151
2026 Current Est.
$134,003
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in San Bernardino (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $109,833 | Actual |
| 2020 | $112,501 | Actual |
| 2021 | $118,458 | Actual |
| 2022 | $119,687 | Actual |
| 2023 | $125,662 | Actual |
| 2024 | $186,620 | Actual |
| 2025 | $130,151 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $134,003 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $137,970 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the San Bernardino metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $109,833 (2019) to $130,151 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $137,970 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,137 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Bernardino 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) | $77,722 – $108,253 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $108,253 – $134,003 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $134,003 – $164,008 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $164,008 – $207,705 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in San Bernardino
The local job market in San Bernardino features 33 employed optometrists, providing a focused community for networking and collaboration. With a cost-of-living index of 113.1, the higher expenses in the region necessitate careful consideration of salary in relation to take-home purchasing power. Among local employers, private optometry practices may offer the highest salaries due to the equity linked with ownership and larger patient loads compared to retail chains, like LensCrafters or Walmart Vision, which typically provide steady hours but often lower pay. The range in compensation reflects factors such as the decision to work within an OD/MD model, which can incorporate additional revenue through surgical referrals and complex procedures. For those looking to maximize their optometrist pay in San Bernardino, pursuing a residency or aligning with high-revenue practice settings can substantially elevate earning potential, making strategic career choices vital in this evolving market.
More salary data for San Bernardino, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in San Bernardino, CA in 2026?
Is San Bernardino, CA a good place to work as a optometrist?
Can optometrists make $100K in San Bernardino?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in San Bernardino?
How much does a optometrist make per hour in San Bernardino?
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 $130,151 for optometristsin the San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino 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