How Much Do Optometrists Make in California?
Median wage from BLS May 2025 — and the after-tax number the salary sites skip. Tax year 2026.
Quick answer
According to payandtaxes.com's analysis of BLS May 2025 data and 2026 tax law, the median Optometrists in California earns $136,300 per year and takes home $95,981 ($7,998/month) — a keep-rate of 70.4%, with 6,890 employed in the state.
Free. No signup. Single filer, standard deduction — full model.
| Gross pay | $11,358.33 |
| Federal income tax | $1,787.16 |
| Social Security | $704.22 |
| Medicare | $164.70 |
| California state income tax | $703.86 |
| You keep | $7,998.41 |
How much do Optometrists make in California?
The median Optometrists in California earns $136,300 per year (BLS May 2025), about $65.53 per hour.
What is that after taxes?
$136,300 gross in California keeps $95,981 after federal income tax ($21,446), FICA ($10,427) and state income tax ($8,446) — $7,998 per month, a 70.4% keep-rate.
How does California compare to the national median for Optometrists?
The California median is $270 below the national median of $136,570.
Which state pays Optometrists the most?
Alaska has the highest median gross for Optometrists at $170,310 — but compare take-home, not gross: state taxes change the order.
Optometrists salary in every state · California paycheck calculator · California minimum wage