Optometrist Salary in 2026
Optometrists examine eyes for vision and health problems, prescribing corrective lenses and detecting conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration. They provide primary eye care.
Median Salary
$130,000
$10,833/mo
Entry Level
$99,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$151,000
experienced
Job Growth
+9%
10-yr outlook
Optometrist Overview
Optometrists examine eyes for vision and health problems, prescribing corrective lenses and detecting conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration. They provide primary eye care.
Education
Doctor of Optometry (OD)
Experience
0-2 years
Industry
Healthcare
Total Jobs (US)
45K
5-Year Growth
+10%
Category
Healthcare
Hourly Rate
$62.50/hr
Monthly Pay
$10,833
Optometrist Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Optometrist salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Optometrist Salary
$133,000
$11,083/month · $5,115/biweekly · $63.94/hr
Optometrist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Optometrist field.
Entry-level Optometrists earn around $99,000, while the top 10% earn $167,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Optometrists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $153,000 | +$23,000 |
| New York | $150,000 | +$20,000 |
| Texas | $127,000 | $-3,000 |
| Florida | $127,000 | $-3,000 |
| Ohio | $124,000 | $-6,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Optometrists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $153,000 | +$23,000 |
| Los Angeles | $146,000 | +$16,000 |
| Miami | $133,000 | +$3,000 |
| Houston | $129,000 | $-1,000 |
| Columbus | $122,000 | $-8,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Optometrist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Optometrist from entry level to expert.
$99,000
0-2 years
$125,000
3-7 years
$151,000
8-14 years
$183,000
15+ years
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Optometrist Salary FAQ
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