Salary distribution
Where San Francisco optometrists fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $124,910 and $207,460, with a median of $157,750.
Typical entry
Education
Doctoral or professional degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.8 / 5
Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge
- 4.5 / 5
Biology
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Reading Comprehension
Basic skill
- 4.1 / 5
Active Listening
Basic skill
- 4.1 / 5
Critical Thinking
Cross-functional
- 4.1 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
- 4.1 / 5
Problem Sensitivity
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Examine eyes, using observation, instruments, and pharmaceutical agents, to determine visual acuity and perception, focus, and coordination and to diagnose diseases and other abnormalities, such as glaucoma or color blindness.
- 02
Analyze test results and develop a treatment plan.
- 03
Prescribe, supply, fit and adjust eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision aids.
- 04
Prescribe medications to treat eye diseases if state laws permit.
- 05
Educate and counsel patients on contact lens care, visual hygiene, lighting arrangements, and safety factors.
- 06
Remove foreign bodies from the eye.
- 07
Provide patients undergoing eye surgeries, such as cataract and laser vision correction, with pre- and post-operative care.
- 08
Consult with and refer patients to ophthalmologist or other health care practitioner if additional medical treatment is determined necessary.
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How the San Francisco metro compares to other major California metro areas for optometrists.
- Sacramento$154,450
- San Jose$149,340
- Los Angeles$137,070
- San Diego$134,250
- Riverside$131,890
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Optometrists in San Francisco, California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Optometrists in the San Francisco metropolitan area is $157,750.
- Does San Francisco pay more than the California state average for Optometrists?
- The San Francisco metro median is +15.1% versus the California state median of $137,070.
- How does San Francisco compare to the national median for Optometrists?
- The San Francisco metro median is +19.6% versus the BLS national figure of $131,844.
- What is the salary range for Optometrists in San Francisco?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $84,920 and the 90th-percentile at $217,590 for the San Francisco metro area.
- What education is required for Optometrists?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Doctoral or professional degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Francisco CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.