Optometrist Salary in Michigan
Based on 1K+ workers in Michigan
Median Annual Salary (MI)
$135,650
$65.22/hr
vs National Average
$136,108
-0.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$98K – $214K
1K employed in Michigan
Optometrist salary in Michigan averages $135,650 per year, with approximately 1,410 optometrists currently employed throughout the state. This median compensation aligns with the national average, positioning Michigan as a competitive market for vision care professionals. Salaries in the field range from $98,110 to $213,850 annually, reflecting significant variation based on individual circumstances and career progression.
Several factors influence optometrist salary in Michigan, including years of experience, practice setting, and geographic location within the state. Whether an optometrist works in a private practice, retail optical chain, or hospital setting can substantially impact earning potential. Additionally, factors such as specializations in contact lenses or vision therapy, patient volume, and business ownership status contribute to the wide salary range observed across the profession.
Salary Distribution — Optometrist in Michigan
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $98,110 |
| 25th percentile | $125,000 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $135,650 |
| 75th percentile | $161,970 |
| 90th percentile | $213,850 |
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 Michigan 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 Michigan vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Michigan) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $128,430 |
| 2023 | $128,680 |
| 2024 | $131,700 |
| 2025 | $135,650 |
| 2026 (projected) | $139,718 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Michigan Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $128,430 | $121,162 |
| 2023 | $128,680 | $129,589 |
| 2024 | $131,700 | $131,624 |
| 2025 | $135,650 | $136,108 |
| 2026 (projected) | $139,718 | $140,190 |
Optometrist Salary by Experience Level in Michigan
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $125,000 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $135,650 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $161,970 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $213,850 |
Optometrist Salary in Other States
Related Optometrist Salaries in Michigan
How other high-demand occupations in Michigan compare to Optometrist ($135,650 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Optometrist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist in MI | $485,920 | +258.2% | $233.62/hr |
| Cardiologist in MI | $419,030 | +208.9% | $201.46/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in MI | $417,760 | +208.0% | $200.85/hr |
| Surgeon in MI | $412,460 | +204.1% | $198.30/hr |
| Psychiatrist in MI | $291,850 | +115.1% | $140.31/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in MI | $247,010 | +82.1% | $118.75/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in MI | $214,070 | +57.8% | $102.92/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in MI | $209,650 | +54.6% | $100.79/hr |
| Pediatrician in MI | $204,690 | +50.9% | $98.41/hr |
| Dentist in MI | $169,930 | +25.3% | $81.70/hr |
| Podiatrist in MI | $162,140 | +19.5% | $77.95/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in MI | $149,990 | +10.6% | $72.11/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Michigan?
- Optometrists in Michigan earn a median salary of $135,650 per year, or $65 per hour. This is slightly below the national average by 0.3%, making it a competitive compensation level for the state.
What is the salary range for optometrists in Michigan?
- Optometrist salaries in Michigan range from $98,110 at the lower end to $213,850 at the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location within the state, and individual practice performance.
How many optometrists are employed in Michigan?
- There are approximately 1,410 optometrists currently employed in Michigan. This represents a stable job market for eye care professionals in the state.
Is the Michigan optometrist salary higher than the national average?
- No, the median optometrist salary in Michigan at $135,650 annually is 0.3% below the national average. Despite being slightly lower, Michigan remains a viable state for optometrist employment with competitive compensation.