How much does a Optometrist make?
An optometrist plays a key role in eye care. They examine eyes and vision, prescribe glasses and contact lenses, and treat eye diseases. Optometrists earn a good salary for their important work. The average yearly salary for an optometrist is around $166,859. This means they make a solid income each year.
Optometrists can earn different amounts based on their experience and location. Some earn less, while others earn more. Here are some salary ranges for optometrists:
- $60,000 to $80,000 for those just starting out
- $100,000 to $120,000 for those with some experience
- $140,000 to $160,000 for those with more experience
- $180,000 to $200,000 for those with a lot of experience
- $220,000 to $240,000 for top earners
- $260,000 to $280,000 for the highest earners
What are the highest paying cities for a Optometrist?
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Wilmington, NC
Average Salary: $289,844
In Wilmington, eye care professionals enjoy a vibrant community. The city offers a mix of private practices and larger clinics. Companies like Visionworks and LensCrafters are prominent in the area.
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New Orleans, LA
Average Salary: $254,500
New Orleans provides a unique blend of culture and opportunity. Job seekers can find positions in both private and public sectors. Notable employers include Tulane Medical Center and Ochsner Health.
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Knoxville, TN
Average Salary: $244,500
Knoxville offers a welcoming environment for eye care specialists. The city has a variety of practices, from independent to larger chains. Employers like Walmart Vision Center and LensCrafters are well-established.
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Fort Myers, FL
Average Salary: $234,711
Fort Myers is a great place for those looking to work in eye care. The city has many opportunities in both private and public health settings. Companies like Visionworks and EyeCare Specialties are active here.
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Richmond, VA
Average Salary: $225,468
Richmond provides a dynamic setting for eye care professionals. The city has a range of practices, from solo to large groups. Notable employers include Bon Secours and Virginia Eye Consultants.
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Worcester, MA
Average Salary: $220,333
Worcester offers a mix of urban and suburban opportunities. The city has many private practices and academic affiliations. Companies like UMass Memorial Health and LensCrafters are prominent.
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Rochester, NY
Average Salary: $219,664
Rochester provides a vibrant environment for eye care specialists. The city has a variety of practices, from independent to large groups. Notable employers include Rochester Regional Health and LensCrafters.
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Tampa, FL
Average Salary: $218,288
Tampa offers a lively setting for those in eye care. The city has many opportunities in both private and public sectors. Companies like Visionworks and LensCrafters are well-established.
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Tallahassee, FL
Average Salary: $217,755
Tallahassee provides a supportive environment for eye care professionals. The city has a range of practices, from solo to large groups. Notable employers include Florida State University and LensCrafters.
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Greensboro, NC
Average Salary: $213,419
Greensboro offers a mix of opportunities in eye care. The city has many private practices and academic affiliations. Companies like Cone Health and LensCrafters are prominent.
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What are the best companies a Optometrist can work for?
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The MedServ Group
Average Salary: $276,944
The MedServ Group offers Optometrists a chance to work in various locations. They focus on providing quality eye care services. Their clinics are spread across many states, giving optometrists diverse experiences.
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Comprehensive Mobile Care
Average Salary: $232,832
Comprehensive Mobile Care provides a unique opportunity for optometrists to work in mobile settings. They serve patients in different locations, offering flexible work environments. Their mobile units reach underserved areas, making a significant impact.
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Wexford Health Sources, Inc.
Average Salary: $224,211
Wexford Health Sources, Inc. offers optometrists a chance to work in correctional facilities. They provide comprehensive eye care services to inmates. Their facilities are located in multiple states, offering diverse experiences.
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evergreen medical PLLC
Average Salary: $210,556
evergreen medical PLLC offers optometrists a chance to work in a variety of settings. They focus on providing high-quality eye care services. Their clinics are located in several states, offering diverse experiences.
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Maine Optometry
Average Salary: $200,588
Maine Optometry offers optometrists a chance to work in a beautiful state. They focus on providing quality eye care services. Their clinics are located in various cities across Maine, offering diverse experiences.
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Now Optics
Average Salary: $200,000
Now Optics offers optometrists a chance to work in a dynamic environment. They focus on providing quality eye care services. Their clinics are located in several states, offering diverse experiences.
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Family Eye Physicians
Average Salary: $195,331
Family Eye Physicians offers optometrists a chance to work in a family-oriented environment. They focus on providing quality eye care services. Their clinics are located in several states, offering diverse experiences.
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Northeast Healthcare Recruitment, Inc.
Average Salary: $189,394
Northeast Healthcare Recruitment, Inc. offers optometrists a chance to work in various locations. They focus on providing quality eye care services. Their clinics are spread across many states, giving optometrists diverse experiences.
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Eyecare Partners
Average Salary: $185,000
Eyecare Partners offers optometrists a chance to work in a large network of clinics. They focus on providing quality eye care services. Their clinics are located in several states, offering diverse experiences.
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The Medicus Firm
Average Salary: $182,292
The Medicus Firm offers optometrists a chance to work in a variety of settings. They focus on providing quality eye care services. Their clinics are located in several states, offering diverse experiences.
How to earn more as a Optometrist?
Optometrists can explore several avenues to increase their earnings. By focusing on these key areas, professionals can enhance their income potential. One effective strategy involves expanding one's skill set through additional certifications and specializations. This not only improves patient care but also allows for higher rates.
Another factor is location. Optometrists in areas with higher demand for eye care services can often command higher fees. Urban centers and regions with fewer healthcare providers typically offer better earning opportunities. Networking with other professionals and joining local optometry associations can also lead to more job opportunities and higher-paying positions. Optometrists who work in private practices may find that negotiating better contracts with employers or becoming a partner in the practice can lead to increased earnings. Finally, offering additional services such as vision therapy or selling high-margin products can boost income. By focusing on these areas, optometrists can work towards achieving higher earnings.
Consider these factors to improve earning potential:
- Obtain additional certifications and specializations.
- Choose a location with higher demand for eye care services.
- Network with other professionals and join local associations.
- Negotiate better contracts or become a partner in a practice.
- Offer additional services and high-margin products.
