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Optometrist Salary in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

How much does a optometrist make in Carmel-by-the-Sea? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Carmel-by-the-Sea's cost of living.

Median Salary
$271,772
per year in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Entry Level
$164,379
Starting salary
Senior Level
$372,591
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
165
65% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how optometrist salaries break down across different pay periods in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$164,379$271,772$372,591
Monthly$13,698$22,648$31,049
Biweekly$6,322$10,453$14,330
Weekly$3,161$5,226$7,165
Hourly$79$131$179

Carmel-by-the-Sea vs National Average

How Carmel-by-the-Sea's optometrist salaries compare to national figures.

Carmel-by-the-Sea Salary
$271,772
COL Index: 165
National Average
$128,680
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$143,092
Higher in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Cost of Living in Carmel-by-the-Sea

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,500
per month
Median Income
$82,234
per year
Population
3,920
residents
Rent % of Income
36.5%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 165 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Carmel-by-the-Sea have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Optometrist

Overview

Perform eye exams and prescribe corrective lenses and treatments.

Education

Doctor of Optometry (OD); licensure required

Key Skills

Eye ExaminationLens PrescriptionPatient CareDiagnostic Skills

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +14% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Optometrist Salary

See Optometrist salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$160,520
-41%
Los Angeles, CA
$137,070
-50%
Chicago, IL
$138,510
-49%
Houston, TX
$124,780
-54%
Phoenix, AZ
$134,430
-51%

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Optometrist Salary in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a optometrist in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA is $271,772 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 165. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Carmel-by-the-Sea's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level optometrist professionals in Carmel-by-the-Sea can expect to earn around $164,379 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level optometrists earning approximately $372,591 per year. This represents a 127% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Carmel-by-the-Sea's cost of living index of 165 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Carmel-by-the-Sea are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $128,680, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a optometrist's salary in Carmel-by-the-Sea typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,500 per month, housing represents about 11.0% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Optometrists are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 14% over the next decade. In Carmel-by-the-Sea, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.