Optometrists Salary in Santa Cruz, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA

Median annual salary $139,560 +3.5% vs national
Median hourly $67.10
10th percentile $75,350
90th percentile $206,740
Employed locally 30
National median $134,830

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Optometrists
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Santa Cruz, CA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $75,350
    25th
    $104,840
    50th (median)
    $139,560
    75th
    $188,520
    90th
    $206,740

    Santa Cruz economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.90% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $109,266 2023 • Census ACS
    Optometrists salary vs area income 128% Median Optometrists salary is 28% above the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Optometrists make per hour in Santa Cruz?

    The median hourly wage for Optometrists in Santa Cruz, CA is $67.10, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $79.25 or more per hour.

    Is Santa Cruz above or below average for Optometrists salaries?

    The median Optometrists salary in Santa Cruz, CA is 3.5% above 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 Santa Cruz?

    Entry-level Optometrists (10th percentile) earn around $75,350 per year in Santa Cruz, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $104,840.