As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Independent Optometrist in the United States is $141,903 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $68.
However, an Independent Optometrist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Independent Optometrist'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 an Independent Optometrist'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 Independent Optometrist | $137,825 |
| Intermediate Level Independent Optometrist | $138,357 |
| Senior Level Independent Optometrist | $141,903 |
| Specialist Level Independent Optometrist | $146,890 |
| Expert Level Independent Optometrist | $147,781 |
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 Independent Optometrists. 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
|
$157,512 |
11%
|
|
Financial Risk
|
$156,093 |
10%
|
|
Innovation
|
$154,674 |
9%
|
|
Collaborating
|
$154,674 |
9%
|
|
Motivating
|
$154,674 |
9%
|
|
Pathology
|
$153,255 |
8%
|
For Independent Optometrist roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 30% above the average. Conversely, Independent Optometrist positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Independent Optometrist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $184,474 | $89.0 | 30% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Independent Optometrists 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 an Independent Optometrist with a Bachelor's Degree is between $138,756 and $146,430).
Independent Optometrist 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 an Independent Optometrist'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, 2026Salaries for an Independent Optometrist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $113,585 in 2023 to around $113,147 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Independent Optometrist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $113,585 |
| 2024 | $114,959 |
| 2025 | $113,147 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Independent Optometrist roles, with salaries approximately 30% 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.)
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