Salary AI Book a Demo

Clinical Optometrist Salary in California

How much does a Clinical Optometrist make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Clinical Optometrist in California is $158,100 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $76.

However, a Clinical Optometrist's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $185,565
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $149,416 to $172,476
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $141,509
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Clinical Optometrist Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Clinical Optometrist Salaries

A Clinical Optometrist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Clinical Optometrist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Clinical Optometrist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $151,621
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $152,202
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $156,103
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $161,694
  • Expert (over 8 years): $162,692
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Clinical Optometrist less than 1 year $151,621
Early Career Level Clinical Optometrist 1-2 years $152,202
Mid-Level Level Clinical Optometrist 2-4 years $156,103
Senior-Level Level Clinical Optometrist 5-8 years $161,694
Expert Level Clinical Optometrist over 8 years $162,692

How Do Clinical Optometrist Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Clinical Optometrists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $158,702.
  • California: $158,100.
  • Massachusetts: $155,993.

Top Paying Cities for Clinical Optometrist

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $158,372
  • West Hollywood: $158,257
  • Dodgertown: $158,371

Clinical Optometrist Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Clinical Optometrist roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 30% above the average. Conversely, Clinical Optometrist positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Clinical Optometrist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Clinical Optometrist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare $205,529 $99.0 30%

Clinical Optometrist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Clinical Optometrist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$149,416
Average $158,100/year
$172,476
$12,451
Average $13,175/month
$14,373
$2,873
Average $3,040/week
$3,317
$72
Average $76/hour
$83
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $172,476 $14,373 $3,317 $83
Average $158,100 $13,175 $3,040 $76
25th Percentile $149,416 $12,451 $2,873 $72

Find Your Next Clinical Optometrist Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Clinical Optometrist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Doctor's Exchange | GRANGER, IN

    Optometrist

    Doctor's Exchange | GRANGER, IN

    Doctor's Exchange of Georgia PC, affiliated with National Vision, seeks an Optometrist to provide comprehensive eye exams and vision care in a high‑volume ... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Bluegrass Vision Care Network | MOUNT CARMEL, OH

    Optometrist

    Bluegrass Vision Care Network | MOUNT CARMEL, OH

    Bluegrass Vision Care Network is seeking a patient-focused Optometrist to provide comprehensive eye care, including routine eye exams, contact lens fitting... more

    6 Days Ago

  • National Vision | STATEVILLE, IL

    Optometrist

    National Vision | STATEVILLE, IL

    National Vision is seeking an Optometrist to join our Healthcare & Medical Services team. In this role, you will provide comprehensive eye exams, diagnose ... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Buckeye State Optometry Associates | HOLLAND, OH

    Optometrist

    Buckeye State Optometry Associates | HOLLAND, OH

    Buckeye State Optometry Associates seeks an Optometrist to provide comprehensive eye exams and vision care in a modern, community-focused practice. You wil... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Alumni Healthcare Staffing | VISALIA, CA

    Optometrist

    Alumni Healthcare Staffing | VISALIA, CA

    Alumni Healthcare Staffing seeks a Locum Tenens Optometrist to provide comprehensive eye care for patients in California. In this flexible assignment, you ... more

    7 Days Ago

  • LifeStance Health | NEWARK, DE

    Clinical Psychologist

    LifeStance Health | NEWARK, DE

    LifeStance Health seeks a Clinical Psychologist to provide evidence-based psychotherapy and psychological assessment in our Healthcare & Medical Services d... more

    8 Days Ago

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst