Optometrist Salary in Santa Monica, CA: $140,828 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Santa Monica, CA earns a median $140,828/year (≈ $67.71/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Santa Monica's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $124,516 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists practicing in Santa Monica, CA, can expect a median annual salary of $140,828, slightly above the national median of $140,612. The salary range is notably wide, with the lowest 10% earning around $81,680 and the top 10% reaching up to $203,695. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments, reflecting the diverse employment contexts available in Santa Monica, such as practice ownership, associate positions, and employment within retail optical chains. Given the city’s affluent market, those in private practice often see higher compensation compared to associates at retail locations, as entrepreneurial incentives and patient volume significantly impact earnings.
About the Santa Monica Market
Salary estimated from California average ($160,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,680 | $39.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $111,452 | $53.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $140,828 | $67.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $168,342 | $80.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $203,695 | $97.93 |
Median Salary Position
0.15% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Santa Monica
In Santa Monica, CA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $122,015 (2026 est.). At $140,828, the local median is 0.15% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Santa Monica: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Santa Monica Optometrist Pay Compares
Santa Monica median: $140,828/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Santa Monica Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $139,295 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | +0.15% more |
Optometrists in Santa Monica, CA earn a median of $140,828 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.15% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.10% above the California state average of $139,295.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Santa Monica has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Santa Monica, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $140,828 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $124,516 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$115,426
2025 BLS Actual
$136,779
2026 Current Est.
$140,828
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Santa Monica (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $115,426 | Actual |
| 2020 | $118,231 | Actual |
| 2021 | $124,490 | Actual |
| 2022 | $125,782 | Actual |
| 2023 | $132,062 | Actual |
| 2024 | $182,898 | Actual |
| 2025 | $136,779 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $140,828 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $144,996 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Santa Monica metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $115,426 (2019) to $136,779 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $144,996 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,570 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Santa Monica 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) | $81,680 – $111,452 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $111,452 – $140,828 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $140,828 – $168,342 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $168,342 – $203,695 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Santa Monica
The job market for optometrists in Santa Monica is relatively competitive, with approximately 20 professionals currently employed in the area. However, candidates should remain mindful of the local cost of living index, which stands at 113.1, indicating that while salaries may be higher, so are living expenses. Among the various employment settings, private optometry practices and ophthalmology groups generally offer the most lucrative pay. Factors contributing to salary variability include the potential for ownership equity, collaborative models with ophthalmologists, and the impact of practice acquisitions by private equity firms. To maximize their earnings, optometrists should consider furthering their education with residency training, which can provide a competitive edge in specialized areas and bolster negotiating power in this dynamic Santa Monica market.
More salary data for Santa Monica, 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 $136,779 for optometristsin the Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica 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