Senior Optometrist Salary in Davis, CA: $196,748 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of optometrists working in Davis, CA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $196,748/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1041. Strip back Davis's price premium (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $173,959 in average-cost America. The 46% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Davis, California, presents lucrative opportunities for experienced optometrists, particularly those who reach the upper echelons of the profession. In 2026, the potential for top earners in this market is reflected in a salary range that peaks at $196,748, with a median annual salary of $134,847. This creates a substantial experience premium, showcasing the rewarding financial landscape available to senior optometrists. Attaining such top-tier pay often requires a strategic blend of advanced training, specialization, and professional networking, along with several years of practice. Competitively, the highest salaries in Davis position well against national top earners, reflecting not only local demand but also the expertise and skills that seasoned optometrists have cultivated over their careers.
About the Davis Market
Salary estimated from California average ($160,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Davis
Experienced optometrists at the top of the pay scale in Davis earn between $165,166 and $196,748 per year (2026 est.). This $118,536 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Davis median of $134,847 sits 4.1% below the US median.
Top OD Salary Comparison
| Level | Davis | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $134,847 | $140,612 |
| 75th Percentile | $165,166 | $170,008 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $196,748 | $208,165 |
In Davis, experienced optometrists (P90) earn 45.90% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Optometrist Pay in Davis
Advanced Certifications in California
CA optometrists with additional specialty certifications within the optometry field earn significantly above the $134,847 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Davis employers.
Specialty Focus
Optometrists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the optometry field in Davis command premium compensation, often reaching the $165,166–$196,748 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Davis metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced optometrists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured optometrists in Davis with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Optometrists in California who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Optometrist Career & Wage Growth Path in Davis
Clinical Optometrist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Optometrist
5-10 yearsOptometrist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDavis ranks #146 of 157 California cities for top earner optometrist salary (90th percentile: $196,748).
Top 10% optometrist compensation in Davis ($196,748) is 8.67% below the California average P90 ($215,421).
2019 BLS Actual
$183,455
2025 BLS Actual
$191,092
2026 Current Est.
$196,748
2019–2027 Growth
+10.4%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Davis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $183,455 | Actual |
| 2020 | $185,071 | Actual |
| 2021 | $181,839 | Actual |
| 2022 | $180,932 | Actual |
| 2023 | $192,907 | Actual |
| 2024 | $260,208 | Actual |
| 2025 | $191,092 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $196,748 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $202,572 | Projected |
Top-earning optometrists (90th percentile) in Davis saw their compensation grow 4.2% from $183,455 in 2019 to $191,092 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.96% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $202,572 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Davis 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.
Maximizing Your Optometrist Earnings in Davis
In terms of compensation, the most experienced optometrists in Davis can significantly influence their earning potential based on their specialization and workplace settings. Areas such as ocular disease, pediatric optometry, and sports vision are particularly lucrative, with residency-trained professionals often commanding higher salaries. Additionally, compensation frameworks vary widely depending on the type of employer; private practices, retail optical chains, and ophthalmology clinics each have unique pay structures. Senior-level professionals frequently progress to roles such as practice owners or partners in OD/MD collaborations, often benefitting from revenue-sharing agreements tied to surgical referrals. Advanced credentials like a residency in ocular disease or glaucoma certification can further enhance earning power, particularly because California remains at the forefront of progressive optometric practices, including the prescription of oral medications in most states. As the field continues to evolve, factors like equity in practice ownership and adaptable employment terms in private equity-acquired clinics contribute additional layers to compensation for seasoned optometrists in Davis.
More salary data for Davis, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced optometrists make in Davis in 2026?
What drives higher optometrist pay in Davis?
What certifications boost optometrist salary in Davis?
Can experienced optometrists make six figures in Davis?
How much does optometrist salary increase over time in Davis?
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $191,092 for optometrists in the Davis metro area. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Davis 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