Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, aged to 2026 using compounded market movement. State selections show BLS state-level figures where published. Actual pay varies with experience, industry, and organization size.
Examine eyes, using observation, instruments, and pharmaceutical agents, to determine visual acuity and perception, focus, and coordination and to diagnose diseases and other abnormalities, such as glaucoma or color blindness.
Analyze test results and develop a treatment plan.
Prescribe, supply, fit and adjust eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision aids.
Prescribe medications to treat eye diseases if state laws permit.
Educate and counsel patients on contact lens care, visual hygiene, lighting arrangements, and safety factors.
Top skills:Reading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingActive ListeningWritingSpeakingSocial Perceptiveness
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
Optometrist pay by experience level
Entry level$77,500
Typical starting pay (about the 10th percentile)
Early career$113,000
A few years in (about the 25th percentile)
Experienced$141,500
Mid-career median pay
Senior$171,000
Seasoned professionals (about the 75th percentile)
Top earners$209,500
Highest earners (about the 90th percentile)
Experience tiers are derived from the BLS wage percentile distribution for this occupation, aged to 2026. Actual pay varies by employer, location, and specialization.
Job outlook
+8%
projected change in jobs, 2024–2034
2,400
projected openings per year
Growing faster than average
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program (2024–2034). Openings include growth and replacement needs.
Optometrist salary by industry
Ambulatory Health Care Services
35,190 workers
$145,000
Offices of Other Health Practitioners
27,380 workers
$138,500
Offices of Physicians
6,050 workers
$161,500
Outpatient Care Centers
1,700 workers
$200,000
Hospitals
580 workers
$162,500
Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Schools and Hospitals and USPS
550 workers
$102,500
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals
470 workers
$171,500
Hospitals, Privately Owned
460 workers
$161,000
Federal Executive Branch (OEWS Designation)
460 workers
$99,000
Educational Services
110 workers
$118,000
National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.
Related occupations from O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Optometrist make?
The average base salary for a Optometrist in the United States is $146,500 per year, or about $70.43 per hour.
What is the typical salary range?
Pay typically falls between $113,000 and $171,000 per year (25th to 75th percentile) depending on experience, location, industry, and organization size.
How does this compare with other Healthcare Practitioners and Technical roles?
The Healthcare Practitioners and Technical job family averages $162,000 across 91 roles tracked by WePayFairly.
Need a defensible market price for this role? WePayFairly data is compiled from published survey sources and maintained by compensation professionals.
