Healthcare Sacramento, CA Pop. 524,943

Optometrist Salary in Sacramento, California

The median optometrist salary in Sacramento, CA is $158,243 per year, which is 26.0% above the national median and 13.7% below the California state average.

City Median
$158,243
vs State Avg
$-25,118
vs National
+$32,653
Cost of Living
118%

Optometrist Pay in Sacramento: What to Expect (2026)

Sacramento offers a median optometrist salary of $158,243, which is $25,118 below the California state average of $183,361. Compared to the national median of $125,590, Sacramento pays above average for this role.

However, Sacramento's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $158,243 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $134,104. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Sacramento should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for optometrists in Sacramento spans from $98,280 at the 10th percentile to $241,920 at the 90th percentile — a $143,640 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $103,320, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $224,280. As a major metro area with a population of 524,943, Sacramento typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Optometrist Salary in Sacramento by Experience

In Sacramento, an entry-level optometrist earns around $103,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $224,280 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$103,320
+$21,320 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$161,280
+$33,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$224,280
+$46,280 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sacramento, CA

Percentile Sacramento
10th Percentile $98,280
25th Percentile $126,000
Median (50th) $158,243
75th Percentile $199,080
90th Percentile $241,920

Optometrist Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$238,621
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$221,038
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$193,409
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$188,385
Pop. 1,386,932

How to Become a Optometrist in Sacramento

Education

Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Sacramento and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Eye ExaminationRefractionContact Lens FittingOcular DiseasePatient EducationDiagnostic Equipment

Job Outlook

Nationally, optometrist employment is projected to grow 9% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Sacramento may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Optometrist Jobs in Sacramento

Browse open optometrist positions in Sacramento, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Sacramento

How much does a Optometrist make in Sacramento, CA? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Sacramento, California is $158,243 per year, which is 26.0% above the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $98,280 (10th percentile) to $241,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Sacramento? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $158,243, a optometrist in Sacramento earns approximately $76 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sacramento compare to the California state average for optometrist pay? ▼
Sacramento's median optometrist salary of $158,243 is 13.7% below the California state average of $183,361. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sacramento, CA? ▼
Sacramento has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a optometrist salary of $158,243 in Sacramento has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Sacramento? ▼
Most optometrist positions in Sacramento require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Eye Examination, Refraction, Contact Lens Fitting, Ocular Disease. The job market is projected to grow 9% nationally over the next decade.