Healthcare Florida (FL) Rank #18 of 50

Optometrist Salary in Florida

The median optometrist salary in Florida is $125,590 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $125,590.

Median Salary
$125,590
vs National
+$0
State Rank
#18 of 50
Cost of Living
98%

Optometrist Salary Overview in Florida (2026)

Florida ranks #18 out of 50 states for optometrist compensation. Florida falls in the middle of the pack for optometrist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $125,590 per year, optometrists in Florida earn $0 more than the national median of $125,590.

Florida's cost of living is near the national average at 98%, meaning optometrist salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Florida is significant: optometrists at the 10th percentile earn $78,000, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $192,000 — a $114,000 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Florida for this role is Miami, where the median reaches $150,708.

Nationally, optometrist employment is projected to grow 9% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for optometrists across the country.

Optometrist Salary in Florida by Experience

In Florida, an entry-level optometrist earns around $82,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $178,000 per year. The cost of living index in Florida is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$82,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$128,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$178,000
+$0 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Florida

Percentile FL Salary
10th Percentile $78,000
25th Percentile $100,000
Median (50th) $125,590
75th Percentile $158,000
90th Percentile $192,000

Optometrist Salary by City in Florida

The largest employment areas for optometrists in Florida include Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Optometrist in Florida

Education

Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Florida has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Eye ExaminationRefractionContact Lens FittingOcular DiseasePatient EducationDiagnostic Equipment

Job Outlook in Florida

Nationally, optometrist employment is projected to grow 9% over the next decade (faster than average). Florida's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Florida

How much does a Optometrist make in Florida? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Florida is $125,590 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $78,000 (10th percentile) to $192,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Florida? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $125,590, a optometrist in Florida earns approximately $60 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Florida a good state for optometrists? ▼
Florida ranks #18 out of 50 states for optometrist pay. The cost of living index is 98% of the national average. Entry-level optometrists earn $82,000, while senior professionals earn $178,000.
How does Florida compare to other states for optometrist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for optometrists is Hawaii at $223,550. Florida's median of $125,590 ranks #18 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Vermont ($129,358) and Minnesota ($126,846).
What is the entry-level optometrist salary in Florida? ▼
An entry-level optometrist in Florida earns approximately $82,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $128,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $178,000.
What city in Florida pays optometrists the most? ▼
Miami is the highest paying city in Florida for optometrists, with a median salary of $150,708. Other cities include Orlando and Tampa.