Hourly Wage for Ophthalmologist Salary in the United States

What is the highest and lowest hourly pay for Ophthalmologist?

As of August 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for an Ophthalmologist in the United States is $164, which translates to an annual salary of about $341,300.

However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $197 per hour
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $154 to $181 per hour
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $146 per hour
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View as table View as graph 25% $154 10% $146 90% $197 75% $181 $164 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Ophthalmologist Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $376,600 $31,383 $7,242 $181
Average $341,300 $28,442 $6,563 $164
25th Percentile $321,300 $26,775 $6,179 $154
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Key Factors That Influence Ophthalmologist Salaries

An Ophthalmologist'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.

How Experience Level Affects Ophthalmologist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Ophthalmologist'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $333,240
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $334,733
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $336,225
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $338,315
  • Expert (over 8 years): $343,934
Levels Salary
Entry Level Ophthalmologist$333,240
Intermediate Level Ophthalmologist$334,733
Senior Level Ophthalmologist$336,225
Specialist Level Ophthalmologist$338,315
Expert Level Ophthalmologist$343,934
$333,240 0 yr
$334,733 < 2 yrs
$336,225 2-4 yrs
$338,315 5-8 yrs
$343,934 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Ophthalmologists

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $430,500
  • San Francisco: $425,800
  • Oakland: $416,800

What Skills Can Increase an Ophthalmologist's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Leadership (Mentioned in 3.98% Job Postings): Knowledge of and ability to employ effective strategies that motivate and guide other members within our business to achieve optimum results.
  • Wound Care (Mentioned in 5.42% Job Postings): Decontaminating medical equipment and instruments from harmful microorganisms to avoid transmission of infectious pathogens to patients.
  • Medical Education (Mentioned in 3.18% Job Postings): Medical education is a course of study directed toward imparting knowledge and skills required for the prevention and treatment of diseases to persons seeking to become physicians.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Leadership 3.98%
Wound Care 5.42%
Medical Education 3.18%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an Ophthalmologist's salary.
  • Geriatrics: Can increase your salary by up to 16%.
  • Collaboration: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Consulting: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Geriatrics
$395,908
16%
Collaboration
$372,017
9%
Consulting
$372,017
9%
Pediatric
$372,017
9%
Leadership
$361,778
6%
Interpersonal Relationships
$361,778
6%
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Ophthalmologist Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Ophthalmologist salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $384,043. While startup companies pay approximate $326,192.

Ophthalmologist Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$326,192
Growth Stage51~500$344,616
Established501~5000$371,195
Enterprise5000+$384,043

Ophthalmologist Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Ophthalmologist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Ophthalmologist positions in Pharmaceuticals or Biotechnology typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Ophthalmologist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Ophthalmologist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare$477,820$230.040%
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$392,495$189.015%

How Education impacts an Ophthalmologist's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Ophthalmologists enter the field with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Ophthalmologist with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $317,946 and $345,264).

Ophthalmologist Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Ophthalmologist
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 2.7%
High School 2.7%
Associates 0.0%
Bachelors 0.0%
Masters 0.0%
Doctorate 97.3%
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Ophthalmologist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Ophthalmologist'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 August 01, 2026

Salary Trends for Ophthalmologist

Salaries for an Ophthalmologist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $231,993 in 2023 to around $226,789 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Ophthalmologist salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Ophthalmologist Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$231,993
2024
$237,504
2025
$226,789
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $231,993
2024 $237,504
2025 $226,789
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Ophthalmologist

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Ophthalmologist

Here are companies hiring for Ophthalmologist and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Ophthalmologist Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Ophthalmologist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States
  • Continuum Medical Staffing

    Columbus, OH

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    PSYCHIATRIST- CHILD/ADOLESCENT COLUMBUS OHIO We are seeking a Board-Certified Child/ Adolescent Psychiatrist for a permanent position in Columbus Ohio No V... more

    2 Days Ago

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    Columbus, OH

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    Neurologist Locum Tenens Opportunity Near Columbus, OH. We are excited to offer a rewarding locum tenens opportunity for a Board Certified or Board Eligibl... more

    2 Days Ago

  • Confidential

    Columbus, OH

    Confidential | Columbus, OH

    Associate Vice President, Brand & External Communications. About the Company. National consulting & advisory services firm focused on the healthcare indust... more

    13 Days Ago

  • C.R. England

    Columbus, OH

    C.R. England | Columbus, OH

    Job Description. C.R. England is Now Urgently Hiring Local Dedicated CDL-A Truck Drivers. \n. Dedicated Local Fleet - Home Daily - Competitive Pay* - Full ... more

    14 Days Ago

  • Confidential

    Columbus, OH

    Confidential | Columbus, OH

    Vice President, Credit Risk Strategy & Data Science. About the Company. High-growth SMB lender building the next generation of credit decisioning. Industry... more

    14 Days Ago

  • KreilKamp Trucking

    Columbus, OH

    KreilKamp Trucking | Columbus, OH

    Regional CDL A Drivers | NEW Grads Welcome | Earn $70,000+ Annually. We're proud to be a 4th generation family truck line, started in 1935, but even proude... more

    14 Days Ago

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FAQ about Ophthalmologist

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Ophthalmologist?

The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Ophthalmologist roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.

2. What is the highest paid ophthalmologist?

The highest paid ophthalmologist can earn a maximum salary of $381,300. The salary range for ophthalmologists typically starts at a minimum of $280,200, with a mid-level salary around $333,300. This reflects the varying levels of experience and specialization within the field.

3. Which type of eye doctor makes the most money?

Retina specialists, who have completed a fellowship, are among the highest-paid eye doctors. Their expertise in diagnosing and treating retinal diseases, along with performing surgical procedures, contributes to their earnings. The salary range for ophthalmologists typically falls between $280,200 and $381,300, with a mid-salary of $333,300.

4. Is ophthalmology in high demand?

Ophthalmology is indeed in high demand. From 2020 to 2035, the supply of ophthalmologists is expected to decline by 12%, while demand will increase by 24%, leading to a significant workforce inadequacy of 30%. With salaries ranging from $280,200 to $381,300, this field offers competitive compensation, highlighting its importance and appeal.

5. How much do ophthalmologists make in the USA?

Ophthalmologists in the USA typically earn between $280,200 and $381,300 annually, with a mid-salary of $333,300. While some reports suggest average earnings around $509,000, it's important to note that salaries can vary significantly, with the highest reported figures reaching up to $1,500,000 and the lowest around $200,000.

6. How much does a lasik doctor make?

A LASIK doctor, or ophthalmologist, typically earns between $280,200 and $381,300 annually, with a median salary of around $333,300. Salaries can vary significantly based on location, with some cities offering higher compensation. For instance, top-paying cities like Santa Clara and Sunnyvale report salaries exceeding $398,000.

7. Which doctors make the most?

Ophthalmologists are among the highest-paid doctors, with a minimum salary of $280,200, a mid-range salary of $333,300, and a maximum salary reaching $381,300. Their specialized skills in eye care and surgery contribute to their significant earning potential in the medical field.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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