Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric Salary in California

Ophthalmologists (except pediatric) in California earn the most in San Jose (average $584,430 a year) and the least in San Francisco ($317,930), across the 3 California metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the ophthalmologists (except pediatric) average at $347,690 and the median at $400,150 for 820 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $304,650.

Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric average salary by city in California

San Jose$584,430
Los Angeles$355,610
San Francisco$317,930

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
San Jose	$584,430	$700,850	$668,500	$339,710	110
Los Angeles	$355,610	$433,520	$216,720	$221,037	114
San Francisco	$317,930	$429,080	$102,730	$200,934	116

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer; California State Disability Insurance (1.3% of wages, paid by employees) is not included. Cost of living: BEA price parity, U.S. = 100.

Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric salary in other states

Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric salary by city and state

More about pay in California

Sources and how to read this page

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 29-1241.
U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.

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