Healthcare San Jose, CA Pop. 1,013,240

Optometrist Salary in San Jose, California

The median optometrist salary in San Jose, CA is $221,038 per year, which is 76.0% above the national median and 20.5% above the California state average.

City Median
$221,038
vs State Avg
+$37,677
vs National
+$95,448
Cost of Living
168%

Optometrist Pay in San Jose: What to Expect (2026)

San Jose offers a median optometrist salary of $221,038, which is $37,677 above the California state average of $183,361. Compared to the national median of $125,590, San Jose pays above average for this role.

However, San Jose's cost of living index is 168%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $221,038 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $131,570. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Jose should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for optometrists in San Jose spans from $137,280 at the 10th percentile to $337,920 at the 90th percentile — a $200,640 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $144,320, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $313,280. As a major metro area with a population of 1,013,240, San Jose typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Optometrist Salary in San Jose by Experience

In San Jose, an entry-level optometrist earns around $144,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $313,280 per year. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$144,320
+$62,320 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$225,280
+$97,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$313,280
+$135,280 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Jose, CA

Percentile San Jose
10th Percentile $137,280
25th Percentile $176,000
Median (50th) $221,038
75th Percentile $278,080
90th Percentile $337,920

Optometrist Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$238,621
Pop. 873,965
Los Angeles, CA
$193,409
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$188,385
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$158,243
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Optometrist in San Jose

Education

Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. San Jose 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 San Jose may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Optometrist Jobs in San Jose

Browse open optometrist positions in San Jose, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in San Jose

How much does a Optometrist make in San Jose, CA? ▼
The median optometrist salary in San Jose, California is $221,038 per year, which is 76.0% above the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $137,280 (10th percentile) to $337,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in San Jose? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $221,038, a optometrist in San Jose earns approximately $106 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Jose compare to the California state average for optometrist pay? ▼
San Jose's median optometrist salary of $221,038 is 20.5% above the California state average of $183,361. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Jose, CA? ▼
San Jose has a cost of living index of 168% compared to the national average. This means a optometrist salary of $221,038 in San Jose has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in San Jose? ▼
Most optometrist positions in San Jose 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.