As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a General Ophthalmologist in the United States is $340,097 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $164.
However, a General Ophthalmologist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A General 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a General 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level General Ophthalmologist | $329,338 |
| Intermediate Level General Ophthalmologist | $330,852 |
| Senior Level General Ophthalmologist | $332,366 |
| Specialist Level General Ophthalmologist | $334,485 |
| Expert Level General Ophthalmologist | $340,097 |
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 General Ophthalmologists. 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
|
$394,513 |
16%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$370,706 |
9%
|
|
Consulting
|
$370,706 |
9%
|
|
Pediatric
|
$370,706 |
9%
|
|
Leadership
|
$360,503 |
6%
|
|
Interpersonal Relationships
|
$360,503 |
6%
|
For General 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, General Ophthalmologist positions in Pharmaceuticals or Biotechnology typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view General Ophthalmologist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $476,136 | $229.0 | 40% |
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $391,112 | $188.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many General 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 a General Ophthalmologist with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $319,280 and $346,739).
General Ophthalmologist 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 General 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 July 01, 2026Salaries for a General Ophthalmologist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $229,534 in 2023 to around $224,385 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of General Ophthalmologist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $229,534 |
| 2024 | $234,986 |
| 2025 | $224,385 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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