California · Optometry

Best Optometry institutions in California, ranked by earnings

The Optometry program focuses on the healthcare practice of examining eyes for visual defects, prescribing corrective lenses, and detecting eye abnormalities. This program is ideal for individuals interested in a career that combines…

Institutions
3
offering CIP 51.17
States offered
9
with a program page
Degrees / yr
241
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
1 year after graduation
With earnings data
0
College Scorecard
Median net price
IPEDS 2026
Avg graduation rate
93%
IPEDS 2026
State pay · Optometrists
$142,850
BLS OEWS 2024

3 institutions offering Optometry in California

Graduate earnings are not yet reported for these institutions; ordered by completions.

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1Marshall B Ketchum University
Fullerton Private not-for-profit
98
2Western University of Health Sciences
Pomona Private not-for-profit
88
3University of California - Berkeley
Berkeley Public
5593%

Career outlook

What this program leads to: Optometrists (SOC 29-1041).

Projected growth (2024–2034)
+8.0%
Much faster than average
Openings / yr (US)
~2,400
BLS Employment Projections
US median wage
$134,830
typically Doctoral or professional degree

Top skills

Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningCritical ThinkingWritingSpeakingScience

What Optometrists earn in California

Jobs in California
6,790
BLS OEWS May 2024
State average pay
$142,850
median $137,070
Best-paying metro
$163,460
Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA

Related careers

Optometrists
$142,850 avg · 6,790 jobs

Common questions

Answers for students comparing Optometry programs in California.

How much do Optometrists earn in California?+

The average annual wage for Optometrists in California is $142,850 (median $137,070), across about 6,790 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024.

What is the focus of the Optometry program?+

The Optometry program focuses on the healthcare practice of examining eyes for visual defects, prescribing corrective lenses, and detecting eye abnormalities. This program is ideal for individuals interested in a career that combines…

What skills will I develop in this program?+

You will develop reading comprehension, active listening, critical thinking, writing, and related professional skills.

What is the job outlook for Optometrists?+

The national job outlook is about +8.0% growth with around 2,400 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).

What is the typical education requirement?+

A Doctoral or professional degree is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).

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