How Much Do Optometrists Make?

Optometrists in the United States earn an average annual salary of $143,000, according to recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With over 41,000 professionals employed in this field, optometry continues to be a well-compensated and essential health care career.

These eye care experts play a crucial role in maintaining and improving our vision health. Optometrists examine eyes, diagnose and treat visual problems, and prescribe corrective lenses or medications as needed. They're often the first line of defense in detecting serious eye conditions and diseases. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the world of optometry, exploring how salaries and job opportunities vary across different regions of the country. We'll also compare optometrists' earnings to those of similar health care professions, providing valuable insights for anyone considering a career in eye care or curious about the financial prospects in this field.

Highest Paying States for Optometrists

Optometrists seeking the highest compensation in the United States will find North Carolina leading the way, with an impressive average annual mean salary of $171,170 and an hourly mean wage of $82.29. The state employs 1,310 optometrists, suggesting a robust demand for this profession. Following closely is Maryland, offering an average annual salary of $166,770 and an hourly wage of $80.18, with 750 optometrists employed.

Key insights from the data reveal:

• Kentucky and New Hampshire are also top contenders, providing average annual salaries of $161,300 and $161,030, respectively. However, these states have relatively fewer employed optometrists, with Kentucky employing 450 and New Hampshire 190.
• States like Vermont and New York offer competitive salaries ranging from $153,540 to $152,450, with New York employing a significant number of optometrists at 2,010.

Overall, optometrists in these states benefit from lucrative salaries and varied employment opportunities, making them attractive locations for professionals in the field.

Comparing Salaries in Eye Care Professions

The world of eye care offers a variety of career paths, each with different salary ranges and employment opportunities, according to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Opticians, who help fit eyeglasses and contact lenses, earn an average annual salary of $47,560. This translates to an hourly wage of about $22.86, and there are approximately 76,770 opticians employed in the field. Optometrists, on the other hand, have a significantly higher average annual income of $143,000, or $68.75 per hour, with a workforce of 41,390.

At the top of the salary spectrum are ophthalmologists, excluding pediatric specialists, who earn an impressive average annual salary of $312,120, or $150.06 per hour. However, this specialization has a smaller employment base, with only 11,530 professionals. These differences in salaries and employment numbers highlight the varying levels of expertise, education, and responsibilities associated with each profession in the eye care industry.

Bottom Line

Optometry is a rewarding health care career both in terms of impact and compensation. Optometrists in the United States earn an average annual salary of $143,000, making it a well-compensated profession. This role is essential in maintaining and improving vision health by diagnosing and treating visual problems and prescribing corrective measures. For those considering a career in optometry, understanding the financial and regional landscape is crucial, as salary and job opportunities can vary significantly across states.

Key takeaways include:

• Competitive Salaries: Optometrists are well-compensated, particularly in states like North Carolina, Maryland, Kentucky, and New Hampshire, where average salaries can exceed $160,000.
• Career Value: The profession plays a crucial role as the first line of defense in detecting serious eye conditions, offering a fulfilling career path for those interested in making a difference in health care.
• Comparison to Other Professions: Optometrists earn significantly more than opticians, who average $47,560 annually, but less than ophthalmologists, who lead with $312,120 on average, reflecting differences in specialization and responsibilities.

Overall, optometry offers a promising career path with competitive salaries and opportunities to impact patients' eye health positively.