Optometrist Salaries

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
Position
Salary

How much does a Optometrist make?

The average salary for a Optometrist is $166,194 per year in the US.

Optometrists play a vital role in eye care, and their salaries reflect the importance of their work. On average, an optometrist earns a median salary of about $166,194 per year. This figure can vary based on experience and location. For those just starting, salaries may begin at around $70,000. As experience grows, so does the salary, reaching up to $281,250 for the most experienced professionals.

Several factors can influence an optometrist's salary. These include the type of employer, such as private practices or hospitals, and the geographic area. Urban areas often offer higher salaries compared to rural regions. Additionally, specialization in areas like pediatric optometry or contact lenses can lead to higher earnings. Optometrists who own their practices may also see higher incomes due to the potential for greater profit margins.

View Optometrist jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Optometrist?

Optometrists can find some of the best pay in Wilmington, NC, where the average salary is over $280,000. Other top-paying cities include Manchester, NH, and New Orleans, LA, with average salaries close to $260,000 and $240,000, respectively. These cities offer excellent opportunities for those in the field of optometry.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Optometrist jobs, highlighting Wilmington, NC with the highest at $280,781 and Rochester, NY with the lowest at $218,738.
  1. Wilmington, NC
    Average Salary: $280,781
    In Wilmington, NC, eye care professionals enjoy a growing demand for their services. The city's diverse population and increasing healthcare needs make it a great place for those in the field. With several local clinics and hospitals, there are ample opportunities to work with a variety of patients.
    Find Optometrist jobs in Wilmington, NC


  2. Manchester, NH
    Average Salary: $261,278
    Manchester, NH, offers a vibrant community for eye care specialists. The city's commitment to health and wellness makes it an ideal place to practice. With prominent healthcare providers like Elliot Hospital, professionals can expect to work in well-equipped facilities and contribute to the community's health.
    Find Optometrist jobs in Manchester, NH


  3. New Orleans, LA
    Average Salary: $241,265
    New Orleans, LA, provides a unique environment for eye care professionals. The city's rich culture and diverse population create a dynamic setting for practice. With major healthcare institutions like Ochsner Health, there are excellent opportunities for growth and collaboration in the field.
    Find Optometrist jobs in New Orleans, LA


  4. Greensboro, NC
    Average Salary: $234,939
    In Greensboro, NC, eye care professionals benefit from a supportive community and a growing demand for services. The city's healthcare sector is expanding, offering many opportunities in both private practices and larger clinics. With institutions like Cone Health, professionals can expect to work in modern facilities.
    Find Optometrist jobs in Greensboro, NC


  5. Knoxville, TN
    Average Salary: $234,792
    Knoxville, TN, is a thriving city for those in the eye care profession. The area's strong healthcare infrastructure and community focus on wellness create a positive environment for practice. With facilities like UT Medical Center, professionals can expect to work in well-supported settings.
    Find Optometrist jobs in Knoxville, TN


  6. Memphis, TN
    Average Salary: $234,388
    Memphis, TN, offers a vibrant setting for eye care professionals. The city's diverse population and strong healthcare system provide many opportunities. With major institutions like Baptist Memorial Hospital, professionals can expect to work in advanced facilities and contribute to the community's health.
    Find Optometrist jobs in Memphis, TN


  7. Fort Wayne, IN
    Average Salary: $229,692
    In Fort Wayne, IN, eye care professionals find a supportive community and growing demand for their services. The city's healthcare sector is expanding, offering many opportunities in both private practices and larger clinics. With institutions like Parkview Health, professionals can expect to work in modern facilities.
    Find Optometrist jobs in Fort Wayne, IN


  8. Fort Myers, FL
    Average Salary: $229,254
    Fort Myers, FL, provides a dynamic environment for eye care professionals. The city's strong healthcare infrastructure and focus on community health create a positive setting for practice. With facilities like Lee Health, professionals can expect to work in well-supported environments.
    Find Optometrist jobs in Fort Myers, FL


  9. Worcester, MA
    Average Salary: $227,636
    In Worcester, MA, eye care professionals enjoy a supportive community and a growing demand for their services. The city's healthcare sector is expanding, offering many opportunities in both private practices and larger clinics. With institutions like UMass Memorial Health, professionals can expect to work in modern facilities.
    Find Optometrist jobs in Worcester, MA


  10. Rochester, NY
    Average Salary: $218,738
    Rochester, NY, offers a vibrant setting for eye care professionals. The city's strong healthcare infrastructure and focus on community health create a positive environment for practice. With facilities like Strong Memorial Hospital, professionals can expect to work in well-supported settings.
    Find Optometrist jobs in Rochester, NY

What are the best companies a Optometrist can work for?

Optometrists can find top-paying jobs with The MedServ Group, Comprehensive Mobile Care, and Healthcare Staffing Professionals, Inc. These companies offer competitive salaries, making them attractive options for professionals in the field. Eyecare Partners and Family Eye Physicians also provide good compensation packages, ensuring optometrists can thrive in their careers.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Optometrist jobs, highlighting The MedServ Group with the highest at $278,708 and The Medicus Firm with the lowest at $178,999.
  1. The MedServ Group
    Average Salary: $278,708
    The MedServ Group offers Optometrists a chance to work in various locations. They focus on providing quality eye care services. Their locations include many states across the U.S.


  2. Comprehensive Mobile Care
    Average Salary: $241,426
    Comprehensive Mobile Care provides mobile eye care services. Optometrists here have the opportunity to travel and serve different communities. They operate in several states.


  3. Healthcare Staffing Professionals, Inc.
    Average Salary: $219,167
    Healthcare Staffing Professionals, Inc. connects Optometrists with various healthcare facilities. They offer diverse job opportunities in many locations. Their services cover a wide area.


  4. TDB Communications
    Average Salary: $218,563
    TDB Communications provides communication services for healthcare providers. Optometrists here work in well-supported environments. They operate in multiple regions.


  5. evergreen medical PLLC
    Average Salary: $209,800
    evergreen medical PLLC offers comprehensive eye care services. Optometrists here enjoy a supportive work culture. They serve patients in various locations.


  6. Now Optics
    Average Salary: $207,000
    Now Optics focuses on providing eye care services. Optometrists here benefit from a dynamic work environment. They operate in several locations.


  7. Northeast Healthcare Recruitment, Inc.
    Average Salary: $192,672
    Northeast Healthcare Recruitment, Inc. connects Optometrists with healthcare facilities. They offer diverse job opportunities. Their services cover many areas.


  8. Eyecare Partners
    Average Salary: $185,000
    Eyecare Partners provides comprehensive eye care services. Optometrists here work in a supportive environment. They serve patients in various locations.


  9. Family Eye Physicians
    Average Salary: $183,438
    Family Eye Physicians offers family-oriented eye care services. Optometrists here enjoy a friendly work culture. They operate in many locations.


  10. The Medicus Firm
    Average Salary: $178,999
    The Medicus Firm provides staffing services for healthcare professionals. Optometrists here have the chance to work in different settings. They serve various regions.

How to earn more as a Optometrist?

Optometrists can explore various avenues to enhance their earnings. By focusing on specific areas, they can increase their income potential. One key strategy is to specialize in a niche area of optometry. Specialization can lead to higher demand and better pay rates. Another way is to expand practice hours or locations. More hours and more locations can lead to increased patient volume and revenue.

Investing in advanced training and certifications can also boost earnings. These credentials can open doors to higher-paying positions. Networking with other professionals can lead to referral opportunities, which can increase patient numbers. Lastly, leveraging technology to improve practice efficiency can lead to better financial outcomes. Efficient practices can serve more patients and reduce overhead costs.

Consider these factors to increase earnings as an optometrist:

  1. Specialize in a niche area of optometry.
  2. Expand practice hours or locations.
  3. Invest in advanced training and certifications.
  4. Network with other professionals for referrals.
  5. Use technology to improve practice efficiency.

Currently 1,196 Optometrist job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Optometrist in the US?

Learn what a Optometrist does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Optometrist today.
Position
Overview
Optometrist
1,196 Job Openings