Optometrist Salary in Yucaipa, CA: $138,323 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Yucaipa, CA earns a median $138,323/year (≈ $66.50/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Yucaipa's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $122,302 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Yucaipa, California, can expect a median annual salary of $138,323 in 2026, which reflects the local market's unique economic conditions. The salary range for optometrists in this area spans from $80,227 at the 10th percentile to $209,234 at the 90th percentile, indicating a wide variation in compensation based largely on practice ownership structures and working environments. Estimates sourced from 2025 BLS data projected for 2026 account for regional price adjustments and local demand for optometric services. Yucaipa’s job market suggests that the choice between owning a practice, working as an associate, or joining a retail chain greatly influences earning potential, as practice ownership typically yields higher returns compared to employed positions in retail settings.
About the Yucaipa Market
Salary estimated from California average ($160,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,227 | $38.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $114,754 | $55.17 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $138,323 | $66.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $170,525 | $81.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $209,234 | $100.59 |
Median Salary Position
1.63% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Yucaipa
In Yucaipa, CA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $129,007 (2026 est.). At $138,323, the local median is 1.63% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Yucaipa: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Yucaipa Optometrist Pay Compares
Yucaipa median: $138,323/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Yucaipa Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $139,298 | -0.70% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -1.63% less |
Optometrists in Yucaipa, CA earn a median of $138,323 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.63% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.70% below the California state average of $139,298.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Yucaipa has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Yucaipa, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $138,323 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $122,302 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$113,373
2025 BLS Actual
$134,346
2026 Current Est.
$138,323
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Yucaipa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $113,373 | Actual |
| 2020 | $116,128 | Actual |
| 2021 | $122,276 | Actual |
| 2022 | $123,545 | Actual |
| 2023 | $129,713 | Actual |
| 2024 | $179,645 | Actual |
| 2025 | $134,346 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $138,323 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $142,417 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Yucaipa metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $113,373 (2019) to $134,346 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $142,417 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,044 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Yucaipa 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) | $80,227 – $114,754 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $114,754 – $138,323 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $138,323 – $170,525 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $170,525 – $209,234 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Yucaipa
While there are only 14 optometrists currently practicing in Yucaipa, the area's cost-of-living index of 113.1 presents some financial challenges that can affect actual take-home pay. In this market, private practices generally pay more than retail chains like LensCrafters or Walmart Vision, while comprehensive care models, including those that incorporate ophthalmology referrals, offer competitive salaries due to their expanded service offerings. Factors contributing to the salary variations include the levels of equity tied to practice ownership, the educational background of optometrists—particularly those with residency training—and the specific contractual terms capable of impacting compensation in private equity-backed acquisitions. To maximize earnings, optometrists in Yucaipa may consider pursuing advanced training in areas such as glaucoma management or collaborating with ophthalmologists, allowing them to enhance their practice's revenue streams while meeting community healthcare needs effectively.
More salary data for Yucaipa, 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 $134,346 for optometristsin the Yucaipa 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 Yucaipa 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