What is the average hourly wage for Optometrists?

The median hourly wage for Optometrists is $60.00 per hour. This translates to approximately $124,800 per year working full-time.

What states pay Optometrists the most?

Salaries for Optometrists vary significantly by location. Use the state-by-state table above to see which states offer the highest median wages for this occupation.

What education is needed to become a optometrist?

Typical education required: Bachelor's degree.

Optometrists Salary

Name: Optometrists Salary Data
Creator: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
License: https://www.bls.gov/bls/linksite.htm

Official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Data - May 2024

Median Annual Salary

$124,800

$60.00 / hour

▲ 13% (Much faster than average)

Salary Range

$66,144 - $214,656

10th to 90th percentile

Total Employed

42,020

workers nationally

🏛️ Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, May 2024 | Updated: Annual | Methodology

Optometrists Salary by Percentile

$66,144 $214,656

10th pct Median: $124,800 90th pct

Percentile	Annual Salary	Hourly Rate
10th (Entry Level)	$66,144	$31.80
25th Percentile	$89,856	$43.20
50th (Median)	$124,800	$60.00
75th Percentile	$172,224	$82.80
90th (Top Earners)	$214,656	$103.20
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, May 2024

Top Paying States for Optometrists

#	State	Median Annual	Median Hourly
1	District of Columbia (DC)	$164,736	$79.20
2	California (CA)	$156,000	$75.00
3	Massachusetts (MA)	$152,256	$73.20
4	New York (NY)	$152,256	$73.20
5	New Jersey (NJ)	$149,760	$72.00
6	Connecticut (CT)	$147,264	$70.80
7	Hawaii (HI)	$143,520	$69.00
8	Alaska (AK)	$139,776	$67.20
9	Washington (WA)	$139,776	$67.20
10	Colorado (CO)	$134,784	$64.80
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

About Optometrists

Optometrists work in their specialized field applying expertise and skills to deliver value in their organization. This occupation is part of the healthcare sector of the U.S. economy.

Education Requirements

Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor's degree

Job Outlook for Optometrists

Projected Growth

+13%

2022-2032

▲ 13% (Much faster than average)

Annual Job Openings

1,897,400

projected annually

Outlook data based on BLS Employment Projections program. Growth rate is projected change in employment 2022-2032.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Optometrists make?

The median annual salary for Optometrists is $124,800 (BLS OEWS May 2024). Entry-level workers earn around $66,144, while the top 10% earn $214,656 or more.

What is the hourly wage for Optometrists?

Optometrists earn a median hourly wage of $60.00 per hour. Working full-time (40 hrs/week, 52 weeks), this equals approximately $124,800 annually.

Is Optometrists a good-paying career?

With a median salary of $124,800, Optometrists earns above the U.S. median household income. Job outlook: Much faster than average (13% growth, 2022-2032).

What education do Optometrists need?

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree. Requirements vary by employer and specialization - check with specific employers and BLS OOH for detailed requirements.