As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Ophthalmic in the United States is $335,216 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $161.
However, an Ophthalmic's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Ophthalmic'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 Ophthalmic'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 Ophthalmic | $324,612 |
| Intermediate Level Ophthalmic | $326,104 |
| Senior Level Ophthalmic | $327,596 |
| Specialist Level Ophthalmic | $329,685 |
| Expert Level Ophthalmic | $335,216 |
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 Ophthalmics. 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
|
$388,851 |
16%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$365,385 |
9%
|
|
Consulting
|
$365,385 |
9%
|
|
Pediatric
|
$365,385 |
9%
|
|
Leadership
|
$355,329 |
6%
|
|
Interpersonal Relationships
|
$355,329 |
6%
|
For Ophthalmic 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, Ophthalmic positions in Pharmaceuticals or Biotechnology typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Ophthalmic as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $469,302 | $226.0 | 40% |
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $385,498 | $185.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Ophthalmics 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 Ophthalmic with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $319,280 and $346,739).
Ophthalmic 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 an Ophthalmic'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 an Ophthalmic can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $226,239 in 2023 to around $221,165 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Ophthalmic salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $226,239 |
| 2024 | $231,614 |
| 2025 | $221,165 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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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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