HealthcareUpdated Q1 2025

Optometrist Salary
in San Francisco, CA

Examine eyes for vision problems and disease, prescribing corrective lenses and treatment. Median salary in San Francisco: $193K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$193K
per year
Take-home: $118K

Salary range in San Francisco

Entry level (25th)$157,000
Median (50th)$193,000
Senior (75th)$235,000
Top earner (90th)$294,000

Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in San Francisco, California.

Key facts for San Francisco

Median salary
$193K
annual
Take-home pay
$118K
after fed/state tax
COL index
224
100 = US avg
State income tax
9.3%
annual
Avg 1BR rent
$3,600
per month
YoY growth
+2.8%
salary trend

Salary forecast: San Francisco Optometrist to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2025. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $193K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast — San Francisco

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Optometrist salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED →$162K$176K$190K$204K$218K201920212023202520272029
2026
$198K
projected
2027
$203K
projected
2028
$208K
projected
2029
$213K
projected
2030
$218K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$193,000+$0
2028 projected$193,000+$0
2029 projected$193,000+$0
2030 projected$193,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Optometrist Salary in San Francisco, California: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Optometrist salary in San Francisco, CA is $193,000 per year as of Q1 2025. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the San Francisco–CA metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Optometrist in San Francisco

Entry-level Optometrists in San Francisco with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $157,000 and $193,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $193,000 to $235,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $235,000 to $294,000 or more.

Cost of living in San Francisco for Optometrists

San Francisco has a cost of living index of 224 compared to the US national average of 100. San Francisco's cost of living is above the US average, so the salary figures above reflect local market rates. California has a 9.3% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Optometrist

Doctor of Optometry (OD); state licensure. 5% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Optometrist salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
San Francisco (current)$193K224
Los Angeles163
San Diego148
San Jose210
Fresno102
Sacramento128