Optometrist Salary in the United States
Based on 41K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$131,624
$63.281/hr
▲ 1.6% vs 2023Salary Range
$43K – $237K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
41K
workers nationwide
Optometrist salary in the United States reflects a well-compensated healthcare profession. The median annual salary for optometrists is $131,624, with approximately 40,760 workers currently employed in this field. This competitive compensation attracts qualified professionals to the eye care industry, though individual earnings can vary significantly based on several key factors.
Several variables influence optometrist salary in the United States, including geographic location, years of experience, and practice setting. Salaries range from $43,000 to $236,860 annually, demonstrating substantial earning potential for established practitioners. Additional factors such as specialization, patient volume, and whether an optometrist works independently or for a larger organization also significantly impact total compensation.
Salary Distribution — Optometrist
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $43,000 |
| 25th percentile | $76,490 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $131,624 |
| 75th percentile | $219,170 |
| 90th percentile | $236,860 |
Optometrist Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Optometrist
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | $165,830 | +26.0% | 70 |
| 2 | New York | $163,040 | +23.9% | 3K |
| 3 | Maryland | $157,830 | +19.9% | 870 |
| 4 | Washington | $157,650 | +19.8% | 930 |
| 5 | Vermont | $156,000 | +18.5% | 100 |
| 6 | New Jersey | $156,000 | +18.5% | 950 |
| 7 | New Mexico | $154,630 | +17.5% | 140 |
| 8 | District of Columbia | $154,300 | +17.2% | 60 |
| 9 | North Carolina | $153,750 | +16.8% | 1K |
| 10 | Massachusetts | $150,820 | +14.6% | 1K |
Historical Salary Trend — Optometrist
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $121,162 |
| 2023 | $129,589 |
| 2024 | $131,624 |
Optometrist Salary by Experience Level
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make per hour in the United States?
- The median hourly wage for optometrists in the United States is $63 per hour. This translates to an annual median salary of $131,624, making it a competitive hourly rate in the healthcare field.
What is the salary range for optometrists?
- Optometrist salaries in the United States range from a low of $43,000 to a high of $236,860 per year. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location, practice type, and patient base.
Which state pays optometrists the most?
- Alaska is the top paying state for optometrists, with a median salary of $165,830 per year. This is significantly higher than the national median of $131,624, making Alaska an attractive location for optometry professionals.
How many optometrists are currently employed in the US?
- There are approximately 40,760 optometrists currently employed in the United States. This represents the total workforce in the optometry profession across all states and practice settings.