Optometrist Salary in Florida
Based on 2K+ workers in Florida
Median Annual Salary (FL)
$151,670
$72.92/hr
vs National Average
$136,108
+11.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$62K – $196K
2K employed in Florida
Optometrists in Florida earn a median salary of $151,670 per year, positioning the state as an attractive market for eye care professionals. With approximately 2,350 optometrists currently employed across Florida, the optometrist salary in Florida runs about 11% above the national average, reflecting strong demand for vision care services in the state's growing population.
Several factors influence optometrist compensation in Florida, including years of experience, practice setting, and geographic location within the state. Specialization in areas like contact lens fitting or advanced diagnostics can also impact earning potential. The salary range spans from $62,490 to $196,210 annually, demonstrating significant variation based on individual practice circumstances and professional development.
Salary Distribution — Optometrist in Florida
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $62,490 |
| 25th percentile | $122,730 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $151,670 |
| 75th percentile | $167,270 |
| 90th percentile | $196,210 |
Top-Paying Industries for Optometrist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Optometrists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Optometrists in Florida tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $166,410 | 60 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $160,100 | — |
| Retail Trade | $159,250 | 6K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $134,370 | 36K |
| Educational Services | $124,280 | 110 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Optometrist in Florida vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Florida) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $103,910 |
| 2023 | $125,480 |
| 2024 | $129,500 |
| 2025 | $151,670 |
| 2026 (projected) | $160,770 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Florida Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $103,910 | $121,162 |
| 2023 | $125,480 | $129,589 |
| 2024 | $129,500 | $131,624 |
| 2025 | $151,670 | $136,108 |
| 2026 (projected) | $160,770 | $144,274 |
Optometrist Salary by Experience Level in Florida
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $122,730 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $151,670 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $167,270 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $196,210 |
Optometrist Salary in Other States
Related Optometrist Salaries in Florida
How other high-demand occupations in Florida compare to Optometrist ($151,670 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Optometrist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anesthesiologist in FL | $465,370 | +206.8% | $223.74/hr |
| Surgeon in FL | $429,990 | +183.5% | $206.73/hr |
| Radiologist in FL | $417,690 | +175.4% | $200.81/hr |
| Cardiologist in FL | $414,910 | +173.6% | $199.48/hr |
| Psychiatrist in FL | $316,200 | +108.5% | $152.02/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in FL | $227,700 | +50.1% | $109.47/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in FL | $222,600 | +46.8% | $107.02/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in FL | $210,570 | +38.8% | $101.24/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in FL | $204,990 | +35.2% | $98.55/hr |
| Pediatrician in FL | $182,010 | +20.0% | $87.50/hr |
| Dentist in FL | $174,900 | +15.3% | $84.09/hr |
| Podiatrist in FL | $138,340 | -8.8% | $66.51/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Florida?
- Optometrists in Florida earn a median salary of $151,670 per year, or approximately $73 per hour. This is 11.4% higher than the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for optometrists in Florida?
- Optometrist salaries in Florida range from a low of $62,490 to a high of $196,210 per year. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location within the state, and individual practice success.
How many optometrists are employed in Florida?
- There are approximately 2,350 optometrists currently employed in Florida, indicating a substantial job market for eye care professionals in the state.
Is the optometrist salary in Florida above the national average?
- Yes, Florida optometrists earn 11.4% more than the national average, with a median salary of $151,670 compared to lower national figures. This makes Florida a relatively attractive state for optometrist career prospects.