As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Doctor of Optometry in the United States is $139,301 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $67.
However, a Doctor of Optometry's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Doctor of Optometry's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Doctor of Optometry's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Doctor of Optometry | $136,267 |
| Intermediate Level Doctor of Optometry | $136,789 |
| Senior Level Doctor of Optometry | $140,267 |
| Specialist Level Doctor of Optometry | $145,114 |
| Expert Level Doctor of Optometry | $145,980 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Doctor of Optometries. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Scheduling | 7.87% |
| Long Term Care | 3.28% |
| Geriatrics | 2.31% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Wholesale
|
$154,624 |
11%
|
|
Financial Risk
|
$153,231 |
10%
|
|
Innovation
|
$151,838 |
9%
|
|
Collaborating
|
$151,838 |
9%
|
|
Motivating
|
$151,838 |
9%
|
|
Pathology
|
$150,445 |
8%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Doctor of Optometries enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Doctor of Optometry with a Bachelor's Degree is between $137,597 and $145,497).
Doctor of Optometry Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.9% |
| High School | 3.9% |
| Associates | 1.3% |
| Bachelors | 10.4% |
| Masters | 9.1% |
| Doctorate | 74.5% |
Understanding how a Doctor of Optometry's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026Salaries for a Doctor of Optometry can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $112,260 in 2023 to around $111,827 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Doctor of Optometry salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $112,260 |
| 2024 | $113,619 |
| 2025 | $111,827 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The highest-paying eye care professionals are ophthalmologists, earning between $250,000 and $326,500 annually. Optometrists, on the other hand, have a salary range of $131,201 to $158,401 per year, with a mid-salary of $145,701. Other roles like orthoptists and opticians typically earn less than optometrists.
Optometrists are not medical doctors. They earn a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree after completing three or more years of college followed by four years of optometry school. As for their earnings, optometrists typically have a salary range from $131,201 to $158,401, with a median salary around $145,701.
An optometrist, who holds a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree, is not equivalent to a Medical Doctor (MD). While both are eye care professionals, optometrists focus on vision care and can earn a salary ranging from $131,201 to $158,401, with a median salary of $145,701. In contrast, general ophthalmologists are MDs who can perform surgeries.
Yes, optometrists are in demand in the U.S., with an estimated 43,400 currently practicing. The job market for optometrists is projected to grow by 9.0% from 2022 to 2032. With salaries ranging from a minimum of $131,201 to a maximum of $158,401, this profession offers competitive compensation alongside strong job growth prospects.
Yes, optometry is a doctorate degree. Optometrists, who study and diagnose eye disorders, must complete a rigorous four-year Doctor of Optometry (OD) program that combines extensive classroom instruction with in-clinic training. The salary for optometrists ranges from a minimum of $131,201 to a maximum of $158,401, with a mid-salary of $145,701.
Yes, optometrists in the USA earn the title of Doctor of Optometry (OD) upon completing their program. While they are not medical doctors (MD) or doctors of osteopathy (DO), they hold a doctoral degree and are recognized as eye care professionals. The salary for optometrists typically ranges from a minimum of $131,201 to a maximum of $158,401, with a mid-salary of $145,701.
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