Healthcare
Optometrist Salary
Optometrists examine eyes, diagnose vision problems, and prescribe corrective lenses.
Median Salary
$125,590
Mean Salary
$130,200
Total Employed
46,000
Job Growth
+9%
Optometrist Salary by Experience Level
Entry-level optometrists earn around $82,000 per year, while mid-career professionals earn $128,000. Senior-level optometrists can earn $178,000 or more.
Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$82,000 Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$128,000 Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$178,000 Salary Percentile Breakdown
The salary range for optometrists varies significantly. The bottom 10% earn $78,000, while the top 10% earn $192,000.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $78,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $100,000 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $125,590 |
| 75th Percentile | $158,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $192,000 |
Optometrist Salary by State
Optometrist salaries vary significantly by state due to cost of living, demand, and industry concentration. The highest paying state is Hawaii at $223,550, while Mississippi offers the lowest at $101,728.
| State | Median | |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Hawaii | $223,550 | Details → |
| #2 California | $183,361 | Details → |
| #3 Massachusetts | $179,594 | Details → |
| #4 Alaska | $162,011 | Details → |
| #5 New York | $159,499 | Details → |
| #6 New Jersey | $150,708 | Details → |
| #7 Washington | $149,452 | Details → |
| #8 Connecticut | $145,684 | Details → |
| #9 Maryland | $143,173 | Details → |
| #10 Oregon | $140,661 | Details → |
| #11 New Hampshire | $135,637 | Details → |
| #12 Rhode Island | $135,637 | Details → |
| #13 Colorado | $134,381 | Details → |
| #14 Virginia | $133,125 | Details → |
| #15 Delaware | $129,358 | Details → |
| #16 Vermont | $129,358 | Details → |
| #17 Minnesota | $126,846 | Details → |
| #18 Florida | $125,590 | Details → |
| #19 Maine | $125,590 | Details → |
| #20 Nevada | $124,334 | Details → |
| #21 Pennsylvania | $124,334 | Details → |
| #22 Arizona | $121,822 | Details → |
| #23 Illinois | $121,822 | Details → |
| #24 Utah | $121,822 | Details → |
| #25 Texas | $118,055 | Details → |
| #26 Wisconsin | $118,055 | Details → |
| #27 Georgia | $116,799 | Details → |
| #28 Montana | $116,799 | Details → |
| #29 Idaho | $115,543 | Details → |
| #30 North Carolina | $115,543 | Details → |
| #31 Ohio | $115,543 | Details → |
| #32 Louisiana | $114,287 | Details → |
| #33 New Mexico | $114,287 | Details → |
| #34 Tennessee | $114,287 | Details → |
| #35 Indiana | $113,031 | Details → |
| #36 Michigan | $113,031 | Details → |
| #37 Nebraska | $113,031 | Details → |
| #38 North Dakota | $113,031 | Details → |
| #39 Wyoming | $113,031 | Details → |
| #40 Iowa | $111,775 | Details → |
| #41 South Carolina | $111,775 | Details → |
| #42 Missouri | $110,519 | Details → |
| #43 South Dakota | $110,519 | Details → |
| #44 Alabama | $109,263 | Details → |
| #45 Kansas | $109,263 | Details → |
| #46 Kentucky | $109,263 | Details → |
| #47 Oklahoma | $105,496 | Details → |
| #48 Arkansas | $102,984 | Details → |
| #49 West Virginia | $102,984 | Details → |
| #50 Mississippi | $101,728 | Details → |
Key Responsibilities
- ● Perform eye examinations
- ● Diagnose eye diseases
- ● Prescribe corrective lenses
- ● Detect systemic conditions via eye exams
- ● Provide pre/post-operative care
Top Skills
Eye Examination Refraction Contact Lens Fitting Ocular Disease Patient Education Diagnostic Equipment
Education Required
Doctoral degree
Job Outlook
Faster than average — projected 9% growth over the next decade
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Frequently Asked Questions About Optometrist Salaries
How much does a Optometrist make per year? ▼
The median optometrist salary in the United States is $125,590 per year. Entry-level positions start around $82,000, while senior-level professionals earn up to $178,000 annually. The mean (average) salary is $130,200.
How much does a Optometrist make per hour? ▼
Based on the national median salary of $125,590 per year, a optometrist earns approximately $60 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year. Hourly rates vary by experience, location, and employer.
What is the highest paying state for optometrists? ▼
Hawaii is the highest paying state for optometrists, with a median salary of $223,550. Other top-paying states include California ($183,361) and Massachusetts ($179,594).
What education do you need to become a optometrist? ▼
Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Eye Examination, Refraction, Contact Lens Fitting, Ocular Disease. Relevant certifications and hands-on experience can also strengthen your qualifications.
What is the job outlook for optometrists? ▼
Employment for optometrists is projected to grow 9% over the next decade, which is faster than average. There are currently 46,000 optometrists employed in the United States.
How much does an entry-level optometrist make? ▼
An entry-level optometrist with 0-2 years of experience earns around $82,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to approximately $128,000. The bottom 10% of earners make $78,000, while the top 10% earn $192,000.