Optometrist Salary in the US

Optometrist Salary in the US: Earnings & Career Insights

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Optometry is one of the most rewarding healthcare professions, offering competitive salaries and a promising career outlook. If you’re considering becoming an optometrist in the United States, understanding the salary structure, career path, and growth opportunities is essential. Let’s explore the latest salary details, how to become an optometrist, and the career prospects in this field.

Optometrist Salary in the US

Annual Salary

As of August 2025, optometrists earn an average annual salary of $124,213. However, salaries can vary significantly based on factors like experience, location, and work setting.

  • Range:
    • 25th Percentile: $98,000/year
    • 75th Percentile: $146,000/year
    • Top Earners (90th Percentile): $165,500/year
    • Lowest: $65,000/year
    • Highest: $185,000/year

Monthly Pay

When broken down monthly, the average pay for optometrists is $10,351/month. Top earners can make over $13,791/month.

  • Range:
    • 25th Percentile: $8,166/month
    • 75th Percentile: $12,166/month
    • Lowest: $5,417/month
    • Highest: $15,417/month

Weekly Pay

Optometrists earn an average of $2,388/week, with top professionals making over $3,182/week.

  • Range:
    • 25th Percentile: $1,884/week
    • 75th Percentile: $2,807/week
    • Lowest: $1,250/week
    • Highest: $3,558/week

Hourly Wage

For those paid hourly, optometrists earn an average of $59.72/hour. Top earners can make up to $79/hour.

  • Range:
    • 25th Percentile: $47.12/hour
    • 75th Percentile: $70.19/hour
    • Lowest: $31.25/hour
    • Highest: $88.94/hour

Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for Optometrists

Location plays a significant role in salary variation. Here are the top-paying cities for optometrists:

  • Mercer Island, WA: $176,127/year ($84.68/hour)
  • Nome, AK: $154,086/year ($74.08/hour)
  • Peabody, MA: $153,651/year ($73.87/hour)
  • Cupertino, CA: $153,248/year ($73.68/hour)
  • Berkeley, CA: $152,092/year ($73.12/hour)
  • Redwood City, CA: $152,081/year ($73.12/hour)
  • UC Berkeley, CA: $152,034/year ($73.09/hour)
  • Deer Park, CA: $151,964/year ($73.06/hour)
  • Berlin Corners, VT: $151,815/year ($72.99/hour)
  • Belmont, CA: $150,228/year ($72.22/hour)

Top 5 Best Paying Related Jobs

Optometrists have the option to specialize or transition into related fields, which can significantly increase their earnings.

  • Pediatric Ophthalmologist: $221,669/year ($106.57/hour)
    • 78.5% higher than the average optometrist salary.
  • Waterfront International Optometry: $88,907/year ($42.74/hour)
  • Primary Care Optometrist: $68,369/year ($32.87/hour)
  • Cornea Refractive Surgery Specialist: $57,122/year ($27.46/hour)
  • Contact Lens Specialist: $43,414/year ($20.87/hour)

How to Become an Optometrist in the US

1. Educational Path

Becoming an optometrist requires a combination of undergraduate education and professional training.

  • Bachelor’s Degree:
    • Most optometrists start with a bachelor’s degree in biology, pre-med, or a related field.
    • Courses in anatomy, physiology, and chemistry are essential.
  • Doctor of Optometry (OD):
    • After completing undergraduate studies, you’ll need to attend an accredited optometry school.
    • Optometry programs typically take four years.

2. Licensing

To practice as an optometrist, you must pass the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) exams.

  • State Licensing:
    • Each state has specific licensing requirements.
    • Some states may require additional exams or certifications.

3. Residency and Specialization

While residency is optional, it can be beneficial for those who want to specialize in areas like pediatric optometry or ocular disease.

4. Time and Cost

The journey to becoming an optometrist typically takes 7-9 years (including undergraduate education). The cost of education can range from $100,000 to $250,000, depending on the school and location.

Optometrist Career Prospects

1. Job Outlook

The demand for optometrists is growing steadily. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the profession is expected to grow by 10% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

2. Work Environments

Optometrists have diverse work settings to choose from:

  • Private Practice:
    • Many optometrists run their own clinics and serve local communities.
  • Retail Chains:
    • Large companies like Walmart and LensCrafters employ optometrists in retail settings.
  • Hospitals and Clinics:
    • Opportunities to work in specialized healthcare facilities.
  • Research and Academia:
    • Optometrists can contribute to advancements in vision care through research or teaching.

3. Advancement Opportunities

Optometrists can advance their careers by:

  • Opening their own practice.
  • Pursuing specialization (e.g., contact lenses, ocular disease).
  • Taking leadership roles in healthcare organizations.

4. Challenges in the Profession

While optometry is rewarding, it comes with challenges:

  • Competition:
    • The field can be competitive, especially in high-demand areas.
  • Balancing Patient Care and Business:
    • Running a private practice requires business acumen alongside medical expertise.

 

Optometrist Resume Example

Here is a professional optometrist resume example that you can use as a reference. This template is designed to highlight your skills, qualifications, and experience in a clear and organized manner.

[Your Name]

[Your Address] | [City, State, ZIP Code]

[Your Phone Number] | [Your Email Address] | [LinkedIn Profile]

Objective

Dedicated and licensed Optometrist with over [X years] of experience in providing exceptional vision care services. Skilled in diagnosing and treating eye disorders, prescribing corrective lenses, and educating patients on eye health. Seeking to leverage expertise in [specific skill/area] to contribute to [clinic name or organization] and enhance patient outcomes.

Professional Experience

Optometrist

[Clinic Name/Organization] – [City, State]

[Month, Year] – Present

  • Conducted comprehensive eye exams and diagnosed vision disorders such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
  • Prescribed corrective lenses and contact lenses tailored to individual patient needs.
  • Managed and treated ocular diseases, including glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.
  • Educated patients on eye health, preventive care, and post-treatment guidelines.
  • Utilized advanced diagnostic tools such as OCT, retinal cameras, and visual field analyzers.
  • Collaborated with ophthalmologists and other healthcare professionals for specialized treatments.
  • Maintained accurate patient records and ensured compliance with HIPAA regulations.

Associate Optometrist

[Clinic Name/Organization] – [City, State]

[Month, Year] – [Month, Year]

  • Performed routine eye exams and screenings for patients of all ages.
  • Diagnosed and treated minor eye conditions such as dry eye syndrome and conjunctivitis.
  • Assisted in pre- and post-operative care for patients undergoing LASIK and cataract surgeries.
  • Counseled patients on lifestyle choices to improve and maintain eye health.
  • Increased patient satisfaction by streamlining appointment scheduling and follow-up care.

Optometry Intern

[Optometry School Clinic Name] – [City, State]

[Month, Year] – [Month, Year]

  • Shadowed experienced optometrists and assisted in conducting eye exams.
  • Gained hands-on experience in fitting contact lenses and prescribing glasses.
  • Learned to operate diagnostic equipment and interpret results.
  • Provided patient education on proper contact lens care and hygiene.

Education

Doctor of Optometry (OD)

[Optometry School Name] – [City, State]

[Year of Graduation]

Bachelor’s Degree in [Relevant Field]

[University Name] – [City, State]

[Year of Graduation]

Licenses & Certifications

  • Licensed Optometrist – [State Licensing Board], [Year]
  • National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) Certification, [Year]
  • [Specialized Certification, if applicable], [Year]

Skills

  • Comprehensive eye exams and vision correction.
  • Diagnosis and management of ocular diseases.
  • Patient education and counseling.
  • Advanced diagnostic tools (OCT, slit lamp, retinal imaging).
  • Contact lens fitting and prescription.
  • Pre- and post-operative care for eye surgeries.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Proficient in electronic health records (EHR) systems.

Professional Affiliations

  • American Optometric Association (AOA) – Member since [Year]
  • [State Optometric Association] – Member since [Year]
  • [Other relevant organizations]

Conclusion

Optometry offers a lucrative and fulfilling career path with excellent salary potential and growth opportunities. Whether you’re interested in private practice, research, or specialization, the profession provides diverse options to suit your interests.

With salaries ranging from $65,000 to $185,000 annually and top-paying cities offering even higher compensation, optometry is an attractive career choice for those passionate about vision care.

If you’re considering this path, start by researching accredited optometry schools and understanding the licensing requirements in your state. The investment in education and training is well worth the rewarding career that awaits.

FAQs

What is the average starting salary for an optometrist?

Entry-level optometrists typically earn around $98,000/year, depending on location and work setting.

How long does it take to become an optometrist?

It usually takes 7-9 years, including undergraduate education and optometry school.

Is optometry a good career choice in the US?

Yes, optometry offers competitive salaries, job security, and diverse career opportunities, making it an excellent choice.

 

Explore how optometrist salaries compare to Pediatrician Salary in the US and discover career insights for both rewarding healthcare professions.