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
$136,570
$11,381/mo
Entry Level
$104,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$158,600
experienced
Job Growth
+9%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Optometrists (SOC 29-1041) at a national median of $136,570 per year (mean $141,550), or $65.66 per hour, with 42,790 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
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)
43K
5-Year Growth
+10%
Category
Healthcare
Hourly Rate
$65.66/hr
Monthly Pay
$11,381
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
$140,000
$11,667/month · $5,385/biweekly · $67.31/hr
Optometrist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Optometrist field.
Entry-level Optometrists earn around $104,000, while the top 10% earn $175,400 or more.
Top Paying States for Optometrists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $161,000 | +$24,430 |
| New York | $157,000 | +$20,430 |
| Texas | $134,000 | $-2,570 |
| Florida | $134,000 | $-2,570 |
| Ohio | $130,000 | $-6,570 |
Top Paying Cities for Optometrists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $161,000 | +$24,430 |
| Los Angeles | $153,000 | +$16,430 |
| Miami | $139,000 | +$2,430 |
| Houston | $135,000 | $-1,570 |
| Columbus | $128,000 | $-8,570 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Optometrist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Optometrist from entry level to expert.
$104,000
0-2 years
$131,000
3-7 years
$158,600
8-14 years
$192,200
15+ years
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Optometrist Salary FAQ
How much does a Optometrist make in 2026?
The median salary for a Optometrist in the United States is $136,570 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Optometrists (SOC 29-1041); the mean is $141,550. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $104,000, senior professionals around $158,600, and top earners at $192,200 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Optometrist?
A Optometrist typically requires a Doctor of Optometry (OD) with 0-2 years of experience. Key skills include Eye Examination, Prescription Lenses, Ocular Disease. Relevant certifications such as State Licensure or NBEO can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Optometrists?
The job market for Optometrists is projected to grow by 9% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 43K Optometrist positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 10%, reflecting steady demand for this role.
Which states pay Optometrists the most?
The highest-paying states for Optometrists include California, Texas, New York. In California, the median salary is approximately $161,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Optometrist salary?
To increase your Optometrist salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Eye Examination and Prescription Lenses. Pursue certifications such as State Licensure. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Los Angeles. With 0-2 years of experience, you can progress from $104,000 to $158,600 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Optometrist Salary
How we calculate Optometrist salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Optometrists (SOC 29-1041), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $136,570, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Optometrists; BLS mean $141,550; BLS hourly median $65.66.
- Entry-level ($104,000) and senior-level ($158,600) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +9% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 42,790 Optometrists jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 10% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Healthcare sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Doctor of Optometry (OD), per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $136,570; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Optometrist compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Optometrist job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Healthcare
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Optometrist salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Eye Examination, Prescription Lenses, Ocular Disease), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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