Optometrist Salary in Hawaii
Based on 230+ workers in Hawaii
Median Annual Salary (HI)
$154,620
$74.34/hr
vs National Average
$136,108
+13.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$107K – $205K
230 employed in Hawaii
Optometrist salary in Hawaii averages $154,620 per year, positioning the state well above the national average at 14% higher. With approximately 230 optometrists currently employed across the islands, this field offers competitive compensation for eye care professionals. The salary range extends from $107,090 to $205,390 annually, reflecting variation based on experience and practice setting.
Several factors influence optometrist compensation throughout Hawaii. Geographic location within the islands, years of clinical experience, and whether practitioners work in private practices, retail settings, or healthcare facilities all impact earning potential. Additionally, the cost of living in Hawaii and demand for vision care services contribute to the state's above-average salary levels compared to other regions.
Salary Distribution — Optometrist in Hawaii
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $107,090 |
| 25th percentile | $120,980 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $154,620 |
| 75th percentile | $162,070 |
| 90th percentile | $205,390 |
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 Hawaii 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 Hawaii vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Hawaii) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $135,250 |
| 2023 | $134,540 |
| 2024 | $136,670 |
| 2025 | $154,620 |
| 2026 (projected) | $163,897 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Hawaii Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $135,250 | $121,162 |
| 2023 | $134,540 | $129,589 |
| 2024 | $136,670 | $131,624 |
| 2025 | $154,620 | $136,108 |
| 2026 (projected) | $163,897 | $144,274 |
Optometrist Salary by Experience Level in Hawaii
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $120,980 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $154,620 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $162,070 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $205,390 |
Optometrist Salary in Other States
Related Optometrist Salaries in Hawaii
How other high-demand occupations in Hawaii compare to Optometrist ($154,620 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Optometrist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in HI | $338,130 | +118.7% | $162.56/hr |
| Psychiatrist in HI | $289,990 | +87.6% | $139.42/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in HI | $218,210 | +41.1% | $104.91/hr |
| Pediatrician in HI | $197,090 | +27.5% | $94.75/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in HI | $170,110 | +10.0% | $81.78/hr |
| Dentist in HI | $167,820 | +8.5% | $80.68/hr |
| Physician Assistant in HI | $164,050 | +6.1% | $78.87/hr |
| Pharmacist in HI | $163,220 | +5.6% | $78.47/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in HI | $147,630 | -4.5% | $70.98/hr |
| Registered Nurse in HI | $136,320 | -11.8% | $65.54/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in HI | $135,570 | -12.3% | $65.18/hr |
| Veterinarian in HI | $130,120 | -15.8% | $62.56/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Hawaii?
- The median salary for optometrists in Hawaii is $154,620 per year, or $74 per hour. This is 13.6% higher than the national average, making Hawaii one of the better-paying states for this profession.
What is the salary range for optometrists in Hawaii?
- Optometrist salaries in Hawaii range from $107,090 to $205,390 per year, depending on experience, location within the state, and individual practice circumstances. This wide range shows significant earning potential for experienced practitioners.
Is optometry a well-paying job in Hawaii compared to the rest of the country?
- Yes, optometrists in Hawaii earn 13.6% more than the national average, with a median salary of $154,620 annually. This higher compensation reflects Hawaii's cost of living and strong demand for eye care services.
How many optometrists work in Hawaii?
- There are approximately 230 optometrists employed in Hawaii. This relatively small workforce reflects the state's smaller population compared to mainland states.