Optometrists examine eyes, diagnose vision problems and eye diseases, and prescribe corrective lenses and treatments.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, optometrists (SOC 29-1041) earn a median annual wage of approximately $132,150.
The BLS projects 9% employment growth through 2032, faster than average, with approximately 3,400 job openings expected per year.
Becoming an optometrist requires a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree, typically a four-year professional program following a bachelor's degree, plus passing NBEO board examinations and obtaining state licensure.
Key compensation factors include practice setting (private practice ownership vs. corporate optical vs. health system), geographic region, patient volume, scope of practice laws by state, and years of experience.
Practice ownership is a significant differentiator, as owner-optometrists may earn considerably more than employed associates.
For comparison with related healthcare careers, see the dentist salary data as another doctor-level clinical career. Optometrists managing significant educational debt should also review student loan interest deduction rules and explore Roth IRA funding to build tax-advantaged retirement savings.
Optometrist Salary Overview (2026)
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data for optometrists (SOC 29-1041) reflects compensation across all employment settings. The following wage distribution is based on BLS data as of 2026 and encompasses both employed and practice-owning optometrists.
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $80,700 | $38.80 |
| 25th | $101,500 | $48.80 |
| 50th (Median) | $132,150 | $63.53 |
| 75th | $171,000 | $82.21 |
| 90th | $208,000+ | $100.00+ |
Practice-owning optometrists with established patient panels and high-volume optical dispensing operations may report total earnings significantly above the 90th percentile. All figures are sourced from BLS OEWS and are subject to annual update.
For a complete breakdown of how any hourly wage in these ranges translates to annual, monthly, weekly, and after-tax take-home, see our hourly-to-annual salary conversion guides.
Optometrist Pay by Experience
New optometrists entering the workforce following graduation and licensure typically start as associates in private practices or corporate optical settings, often earning $85,000–$110,000.
With three to seven years of experience and an established patient base, compensation commonly rises to $120,000–$155,000.
Experienced optometrists who own their practices or hold leadership roles in multi-location groups may earn $160,000–$220,000 or more.
| Experience Level | Typical Annual Range |
|---|---|
| Entry/Associate (0–3 years) | $85,000–$110,000 |
| Mid-Career (4–9 years) | $120,000–$155,000 |
| Senior/Practice Owner (10+ years) | $160,000–$220,000+ |
OD Degree and Specialty Certifications
The OD degree is the required entry-level credential for optometrists in all U.S. states.
Post-graduate residency programs (one year) in areas such as low vision, pediatric optometry, cornea/contact lenses, or ocular disease are optional but may lead to higher earnings in specialty practice settings.
States with broader therapeutic optometry scope of practice laws — allowing optometrists to prescribe certain oral medications or manage a wider range of eye conditions — may offer stronger earning potential than states with more restrictive scopes.
Optometrist Salary by State and Region
Geographic variation in optometrist pay reflects cost of living, state scope of practice laws, competition density, and demand for eye care services. BLS state-level data identifies the following as consistently high-paying states for optometrists.
| State | Approximate Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Mississippi | $175,000 |
| Idaho | $169,000 |
| West Virginia | $165,000 |
| Iowa | $160,000 |
| Indiana | $157,000 |
Interestingly, some rural and underserved states report among the highest optometrist wages due to limited competition and strong demand.
Urban markets such as California and New York — despite higher costs of living — may report lower median wages due to higher optometrist density and greater competition.
Rural practice with ownership can be among the most financially lucrative pathways for optometrists.
Factors Affecting Optometrist Pay
Several factors beyond experience and location significantly influence an optometrist's total compensation.
Practice Setting
Private practice ownership typically offers the highest earning potential, as owners retain practice revenue after expenses rather than receiving a fixed salary.
Corporate optical chains (such as LensCrafters, Walmart Vision Centers, or Costco Optical) typically pay employed optometrists on a salary or salary-plus-production model, which may offer lower ceiling earnings but greater stability and fewer business management responsibilities.
Health system-employed optometrists generally earn mid-range compensation with strong benefits.
Patient Volume and Optical Dispensing
Optometrists who operate optical dispensaries as part of their practice can significantly increase total revenue compared to exam-only practices.
Optical dispensing — selling frames, lenses, and contact lenses — is a meaningful revenue component for many private practices.
High patient throughput and efficient scheduling also materially affect production-based and ownership compensation models.
Student Loan Debt Load
Optometry school typically costs $200,000–$350,000 in total tuition and fees.
Net take-home compensation is materially affected by loan repayment obligations, which may consume $20,000–$40,000 annually for new graduates.
Income-driven repayment plans, Public Service Loan Forgiveness (for those in qualifying public or nonprofit settings), and practice acquisition loans all interact with gross compensation to determine true financial outcomes.
New ODs should review the student loan interest deduction rules that may reduce their federal tax liability in early career years.
Optometrist Career Outlook
The BLS projects 9% employment growth for optometrists through 2032, significantly above the average for all occupations.
Approximately 3,400 openings are expected annually.
Key growth drivers include the aging U.S. population — older adults have substantially higher rates of cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease — as well as rising rates of myopia across all age groups, expanded vision insurance coverage, and growth in the overall healthcare-seeking population.
Optometrists who position their practices in underserved geographic areas or expand into specialty services such as myopia management, specialty contact lens fitting, or co-management of surgical patients are expected to have strong career prospects through the projection period.
ODs practicing in rural states like Mississippi or Idaho — which top the wage tables — should evaluate the cost of living in Texas or other low-cost states as relocation benchmarks.
Practice owners building wealth should also track their average net worth by age to ensure financial progress matches their above-average earning potential.
Ensuring adequate retirement contributions with attention to 401(k) contribution targets is important for ODs who delay peak earnings during their lengthy education period.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median optometrist salary in 2026?
According to BLS data, the median annual wage for optometrists (SOC 29-1041) is approximately $132,150 as of 2026. This figure encompasses both employed and practice-owning optometrists across all settings.
Do optometrists need a medical degree (MD)?
No. Optometrists hold a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree, a four-year professional degree distinct from an MD.
ODs are not medical doctors and cannot perform surgery, though the scope of their practice regarding diagnosis and therapeutic prescribing varies by state law.
Ophthalmologists hold an MD or DO and can perform surgical procedures.
For a comparison with other doctoral-level healthcare providers who do not hold an MD, see the audiologist salary and the podiatrist salary.
Do optometrist practice owners earn significantly more than employed ODs?
Generally yes. Practice owners retain practice revenues after overhead, which can produce total compensation significantly above the BLS median. However, ownership also carries financial risk, capital investment requirements, and business management responsibilities.
Rural practice ownership is often cited as one of the highest-earning pathways for optometrists.
Which states pay optometrists the most?
According to BLS data, states such as Mississippi, Idaho, West Virginia, and Iowa often report above-average optometrist wages, frequently due to lower competition density and strong demand in underserved areas. Urban coastal markets may report lower median wages despite higher costs of living.
What is the job outlook for optometrists?
The BLS projects 9% employment growth for optometrists through 2032, faster than average. Approximately 3,400 annual openings are expected. Aging demographics and rising rates of chronic eye disease are the primary long-term demand drivers.
For context on how optometry pay compares to other clinical doctorate careers, consider reviewing the chiropractor salary and the podiatrist salary.
Sources & References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Optometrists. Updated 2024. — https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/optometrists.htm
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: SOC 29-1041. May 2023. — https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291041.htm
- O*NET OnLine. Optometrists (29-1041.00). National Center for O*NET Development. — https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-1041.00
Last updated: April 27, 2026