HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Optometrist Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$166,569/yr
Typical range: $168,333 – $198,364
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Optometrist salary by experience level in San Francisco
Optometrist Salary Progression in San Francisco
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $166,569 | $13,881 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $204,641 | $17,053 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $226,850 | $18,904 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $251,280 | $20,940 | +51% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $304,582 | $25,382 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $350,270 | $29,189 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $361,692 | $30,141 | +117% |
Current Salary
$166,569
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $80/hr
Next Level Target
$204,641
Junior · 2
+$38Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
37/100
Below Average
+4% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Optometrist salary in San Francisco, CA?
Entry Level Optometrists in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $167K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Optometrist make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $167K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $80/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Optometrist in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Optometrist in San Francisco, CA earns $285K–$336K/yr.