As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Physician - Ophthalmology in the United States is $341,129 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $164.
However, a Physician - Ophthalmology's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2026 Compensation Trend
AI-Powered Talent
AI-Powered HR
A Physician - Ophthalmology'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 Physician - Ophthalmology'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 Physician - Ophthalmology | $332,867 |
| Intermediate Level Physician - Ophthalmology | $334,397 |
| Senior Level Physician - Ophthalmology | $335,927 |
| Specialist Level Physician - Ophthalmology | $338,069 |
| Expert Level Physician - Ophthalmology | $343,741 |
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 Physician - Ophthalmologies. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 3.98% |
| Wound Care | 5.42% |
| Medical Education | 3.18% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Geriatrics
|
$395,710 |
16%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$371,831 |
9%
|
|
Consulting
|
$371,831 |
9%
|
|
Pediatric
|
$371,831 |
9%
|
|
Leadership
|
$361,597 |
6%
|
|
Interpersonal Relationships
|
$361,597 |
6%
|
Physician - Ophthalmology salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $383,729. While startup companies pay approximate $325,830.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $325,830 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $344,252 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $370,908 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $383,729 |
For Physician - Ophthalmology 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, Physician - Ophthalmology positions in Pharmaceuticals or Biotechnology typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Physician - Ophthalmology as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $477,581 | $230.0 | 40% |
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $392,298 | $189.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Physician - Ophthalmologies 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 a Physician - Ophthalmology with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $319,280 and $346,739).
Physician - Ophthalmology Salaries by Degree Level
| 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% |
Understanding how a Physician - Ophthalmology'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 July 01, 2026Salaries for a Physician - Ophthalmology 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 Physician - Ophthalmology salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $231,993 |
| 2024 | $237,504 |
| 2025 | $226,789 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Physician - Ophthalmology and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Physician - Ophthalmology job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
A Physician - Ophthalmology's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Physician - Ophthalmology earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Physician - Ophthalmology is $430,266.
The highest pay for Physician - Ophthalmology is $407,991.
The lowest pay for Physician - Ophthalmology is $301,959.
Specializes in comprehensive eye care, including the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of eye diseases and vision disorders. Examines patients' eyes to ensure eye health, to treat injuries, and to identify eye irregularities. Prescribes glasses, contacts, or surgery to correct vision. May perform surgeries such as cataract removal, LASIK, corneal transplants, and retinal repair. Requires a MD. Requires State License to Practice. Typically reports to a medical director. Years of experience may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.
The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Physician - Ophthalmology roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
