Optometrists Salary in Chico, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Chico, CA

Median annual salary $131,540 -2.4% vs national
Median hourly $63.24
10th percentile $102,740
90th percentile $214,390
Employed locally 40
National median $134,830

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Optometrists
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Chico, CA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $102,740
    25th
    $127,770
    50th (median)
    $131,540
    75th
    $158,170
    90th
    $214,390

    Chico economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.90% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $68,574 2023 • Census ACS
    Optometrists salary vs area income 192% Median Optometrists salary is 92% above the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Optometrists

    Metro areaMedian salary
    La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN $176,930
    Asheville, NC $167,980
    Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area $166,920
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $165,870
    Alaska $165,830
    Reno, NV $165,060

    Nearby metros — Optometrists salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area $166,920
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $165,870
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $157,750
    Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area $157,380
    Vallejo, CA $156,410
    Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH $155,890

    Related occupations in Chico, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Registered Nurses $141,720
    Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $70,020
    Pharmacy Technicians $46,770
    Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other $52,200
    Pharmacists $171,200
    Physical Therapists $131,370

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Optometrists make per hour in Chico?

    The median hourly wage for Optometrists in Chico, CA is $63.24, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $160.36 or more per hour.

    Is Chico above or below average for Optometrists salaries?

    The median Optometrists salary in Chico, CA is 2.4% below the national median of $134,830. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Optometrists in Chico?

    Entry-level Optometrists (10th percentile) earn around $102,740 per year in Chico, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $127,770.