Optometrists Salary in Salinas, CA
Optometrists in Salinas, CA make a median of $149,510 a year, or about $71.88 an hour. The range runs from $105K at the entry level to $188K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 109.04), so that salary is closer to $137,115 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,684/month — about 30.4% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $150K get you in Salinas?
About optometrists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Salinas, CA
Entry-level optometrists (10th percentile) start around $105K. Mid-career wages sit at $150K.Top earners bring in $188K or more - a $83K spread from bottom to top.
Optometrists pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $166K | +23% | 70 |
| New York | $163K | +21% | 2,500 |
| Maryland | $158K | +17% | 870 |
| Washington | $158K | +17% | 930 |
| Vermont | $156K | +16% | 100 |
| New Jersey | $156K | +16% | 950 |
| New Mexico | $155K | +15% | 140 |
| District of Columbia | $154K | +14% | 60 |
| North Carolina | $154K | +14% | 1,400 |
| Massachusetts | $151K | +12% | 1,120 |
| Minnesota | $150K | +11% | 700 |
| Nevada | $147K | +9% | 360 |
| Rhode Island | $144K | +7% | 220 |
| Connecticut | $143K | +6% | 410 |
| Delaware | $138K | +2% | 180 |
Track optometrists salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Salinas numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do optometrists make in Salinas, CA?
The median is $149,510 a year - that works out to about $71.88 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $105,010, and experienced optometrists can clear $187,580. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $150K enough to live in Salinas?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $8,575/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,684/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 31.3% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a optometrists salary go in Salinas?
Salinas has a Regional Price Parity of 109.04 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median optometrists salary is worth about $137,115 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do optometrists get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.