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Optometrists Salary in San Francisco, CA

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Optometrists in San Francisco, CA have a median annual salary of $142,580, with 1,180 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $107,780 at the 10th percentile to $221,350 at the 90th percentile.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS · Data year: 2025 · Last updated: 2026-09-22

Salary overview

Median annual salary

$142,580

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$68.55

Employment

1,180

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$107,780
10th
$128,900
25th
$142,580
Median
$173,260
75th
$221,350
90th

Local compared with national

San Francisco, CA

$142,580

Median annual · 2025

United States

$136,570

Median annual · 2025

The San Francisco, CA median is 4.4% above the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $6,010).

Top skills

  1. 1.Reading ComprehensionImportance 4.1
  2. 2.Active ListeningImportance 4.1
  3. 3.Critical ThinkingImportance 4.1
  4. 4.WritingImportance 4.0
  5. 5.SpeakingImportance 4.0
  6. 6.Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.9
  7. 7.ScienceImportance 3.8
  8. 8.CoordinationImportance 3.4
  9. 9.Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.4
  10. 10.Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.4
  11. 11.MonitoringImportance 3.3
  12. 12.PersuasionImportance 3.3

Career information

Education and experience

Typical education
Doctoral Degree
Experience
None
Job zone
5

Technology used

  • Accra Med Software Filopto
  • AltaPoint Data Systems AltaPoint Vision
  • Apple Safari
  • Babcock Winx Pro
  • Compulink Business Systems Eyecare Advantage
  • Digital Healthcare OptoMize
  • First Insight E-Z Frame
  • First Insight MaximEyes
  • HealthLine Systems Eyecom
  • Insight Software My Vision Express
  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • MAX Systems Max-Gold7
  • MediNotes Charting Plus
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Edge

Common tasks

  • Prescribe medications to treat eye diseases if state laws permit.
  • 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.
  • Analyze test results and develop a treatment plan.
  • Prescribe, supply, fit and adjust eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision aids.
  • Educate and counsel patients on contact lens care, visual hygiene, lighting arrangements, and safety factors.
  • Remove foreign bodies from the eye.
  • Provide patients undergoing eye surgeries, such as cataract and laser vision correction, with pre- and post-operative care.
  • Consult with and refer patients to ophthalmologist or other health care practitioner if additional medical treatment is determined necessary.
  • Prescribe therapeutic procedures to correct or conserve vision.
  • Provide vision therapy and low-vision rehabilitation.

Related careers

Occupations recorded as related in the dataset. A relationship does not imply a guaranteed transition.

Optometrists salary in other locations

Other occupations in San Francisco, CA