Average Salary for an Optometrist in the USA 2025: Pay by Experience Levels, Top States & How to Earn More
In 2025, the salary for an Optometrist matters a lot for career choices.
Optometrists are eye doctors who help people see better. They check your eyes and give you glasses or contact lenses. They also find eye diseases early to keep your vision healthy.
In 2025, knowing how much you can earn as an optometrist is very important for planning your career. The eye care field is growing fast because more people need help with their vision.
Understanding the salary of an optometrist helps you make smart career choices. Eye problems are becoming more common because people use computers and phones more often.
This means more people need eye exams and vision care. More optometrists are needed in America, which means better job chances and good pay. This blog will show you exactly how much optometrists earn in the USA.
We will answer questions like: What is the average pay? How much do new optometrists make? Which states pay the most? How can you earn more money?
We looked at thousands of salary reports to give you the real numbers. You will also learn tips to grow your optometrist salary and find answers to common questions about this career.
Average Salary for an Optometrist in the USA?
$135,297 per year (Average)
The average optometrist salary comes from multiple sources, including Salary.com ($135,297), PayScale ($126,417), and Indeed ($154,108). We calculated this average by looking at data from several global salary surveys, government statistics, and major job platforms.
Compared to 2023, optometrist salaries have stayed about the same at around $135,000. This steady pay proves the field is stable. It also shows good earning potential for eye care professionals.
Salary for an Optometrist Key Metrics (2025)
Average salary: The typical optometrist earns between $126,000 and $155,000 per year, according to several global salary surveys. Most optometrists fall within this range based on their experience and location.
Salary range: The minimum salary starts at $112,957, while top earners can make up to $214,000 per year. According to many U.S. data sources, entry-level positions begin around $115,000, while experienced optometrists earn significantly more.
Salary by experience: Entry-level optometrists start around $115,340 per year, while those with 1-4 years earn about $123,714. According to government statistics, senior optometrists can earn up to $214,000 or more with extensive experience.
75th percentile: Based on USA salary survey reports, optometrists in the top 25% earn over $168,000 per year. This shows good earning potential as you gain more experience in the field.
Salary for an Optometrist: Regional Comparison
Here's how optometrists' pay in big countries compares to the U.S.:
Data collected from multiple regional salary surveys and government statistics, 2025.
The United States pays optometrists much more than other countries. Washington is the highest-paying state for Optometrist jobs. Florida is the lowest-paying state for optometrists.
The median annual wage for optometrists was $134,830 in May 2024. If you are interested in other medical professions, check these out.
6 Tips to Grow as an Optometrist
1. Specialize in High-Demand Areas: Specializing in high-demand areas like pediatric optometry or low vision can increase your salary by 15-20% according to many U.S. data sources. Specialty care is more valuable, and patients pay more for expert help.
2. Work in High-Paying States: Moving to states like Alaska, Washington, or Vermont can boost your income by $30,000 or more. According to several global salary surveys, location is one of the biggest factors in determining pay.
3. Get More Certifications: Getting certified in specialty areas like contact lens fitting or vision therapy can raise your value. Optometrists who have extra training make 10-15% more than general practitioners, according to government statistics.
4. Consider Corporate vs. Private Practice: Corporate chains often pay $130,000-$150,000 with benefits, while private practice can earn more but has more responsibilities. According to many U.S. sources, each option has different advantages.
5. Gain Experience Quickly: Your salary grows significantly with experience. USA salary survey reports show that optometrists with 5+ years of experience earn $20,000-$30,000 more than new graduates.
6. Negotiate Your Contract: Always ask for better terms when starting a new job. According to several global salary surveys, 60% of optometrists who negotiate get better pay packages, including salary, bonuses, and benefits.
FAQs About an Optometrist's Salary
Is the average salary of an optometrist before or after tax?
All salary numbers shown are gross income before taxes. You will need to pay federal and state taxes on this amount.
Does the optometrist's salary include bonuses?
No, these numbers only show base salary. Many optometrists get extra money from bonuses, which can add $5,000 to $20,000 more per year.
What is the starting salary of an optometrist in the USA?
New optometrists typically start around $115,340 per year. This goes up quickly with experience and additional training.
How much do senior optometrists make?
Senior optometrists with 10+ years of experience often earn $170,000 to $214,000 per year, according to government statistics and salary surveys.
Which state pays the highest salary to optometrists?
Alaska pays the highest optometrist salaries at $180,470, followed by Vermont and North Dakota.
Do optometrists earn more in private practice or corporate chains?
Private practice can pay more, but varies widely from $120,000 to $250,000. Corporate chains offer steady pay of around $130,000-$150,000 with benefits.
What factors affect an optometrist's salary the most?
Location, years of experience, specialization, and work setting (private vs corporate) have the biggest impact on how much you earn.
Is an optometrist's salary expected to grow?
Yes, more people need eye care as they age and use digital devices more. This means optometrist salaries will likely keep growing in the coming years.
How does an optometrist's salary compare to other eye care jobs?
Optometrists earn much more than opticians ($47,560) and ophthalmic technicians ($44,290), but less than ophthalmologists, who are medical doctors.
What is the hourly rate for optometrists?
The average hourly rate is about $65 per hour, but this varies based on whether you work full-time or part-time and your location.
Also, explore other medical professions' salaries, like a Doctor, Therapist, Pharmacist, etc.
All pay information is current as of 2025. Data comes from several global salary surveys and government statistics, 2025.
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