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
Related Healthcare Jobs
Optometrist Salary FAQ
How much does a Optometrist make in 2026?
The median salary for a Optometrist in the United States is $130,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $99,000, while senior professionals earn up to $151,000. Top earners in the field can make $183,000 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 45K 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 $153,000. 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 $99,000 to $151,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — Optometrist Salary
How we calculate Optometrist salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $130,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Optometrist in the Healthcare sector.
- Entry-level ($99,000) and senior-level ($151,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +9% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 45K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 10% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Healthcare sector wages.
- Education requirement: Doctor of Optometry (OD), per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $130,000.
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 Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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