How Much Do Optometrists Make? With Average Salary by State
Optometrists are health care professionals who treat and manage visual problems. Because of their specialized training and skills, this career can provide you with a lucrative salary. Learning about this role, including how much you can make, may help you decide whether it's the right career for you.
In this article, we discuss how much optometrists make, list the average salaries by state and answer common FAQs about this profession.
How much do optometrists make?
The average salary for an optometrist is $140,324 per year. This figure may vary based on employer, expertise, specialties and location. Common benefits include 401(k) matching, professional development assistance and paid time off.
For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, click on the link(s) provided.
Related: How To Negotiate Salary After a Job Offer (With 13 Tips)
Optometrist salary by state
Here's a list of the average optometrist salary in each state. For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, visit indeed.com/salaries.
Alabama: $424,555 per year
Alaska: $260,970 per year
Arizona: $126,589 per year
Arkansas: $189,142 per year
California: $322,841 per year
Colorado: $270,881 per year
Connecticut: $130,207 per year
Delaware: $612,586 per year
Florida: $288,949 per year
Georgia: $150,414 per year
Hawaii: $113,286 per year
Idaho: $142,849 per year
Illinois: $128,576 per year
Indiana: $191,635 per year
Iowa: $144,226 per year
Kansas: $370,457 per year
Kentucky: $133,800 per year
Louisiana: $372,069 per year
Maine: $127,587 per year
Maryland: $293,618 per year
Massachusetts: $421,857 per year
Michigan: $597,308 per year
Minnesota: $123,742 per year
Mississippi: $736,052 per year
Missouri: $127,813 per year
Montana: $147,329 per year
Nebraska: $147,153 per year
Nevada: $131,752 per year
New Hampshire: $158,782 per year
New Jersey: $511,930 per year
New Mexico: $465,294 per year
New York: $296,704 per year
North Carolina: $369,569 per year
North Dakota: $156,867 per year
Ohio: $379,572 per year
Oklahoma: $388,674 per year
Oregon: $127,551 per year
Pennsylvania: $159,611 per year
Rhode Island: $417,070 per year
South Carolina: $136,599 per year
South Dakota: $133,519 per year
Tennessee: $126,508 per year
Texas: $128,909 per year
Utah: $429,686 per year
Vermont: $119,925 per year
Virginia: $375,034 per year
Washington: $128,073 per year
West Virginia: $803,162 per year
Wisconsin: $149,839 per year
Wyoming: $97,653 per year
Requirements to become optometrist
Here are some key professional requirements for becoming an optometrist:
1. Education
The minimum requirement for optometry school is an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. Many programs desire candidates who obtain their bachelor's degree in pre-med or another biological science. Standard courses include chemistry, physics, biology, English and mathematics.
The next required educational step is to pass the optometry admission test and complete a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree program. This program includes hands-on clinical experience and core classroom instruction. The courses include instruction in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, visual science and optics.
Related: What Is an Optometrist Degree? (With 10 Steps To Get a Degree)
2. Training
After you receive an OD degree, you may choose to enter a residency program for further specialized training in optometry. You can gain classroom and clinical experience under the supervision of a professional optometrist. Specializations you can complete in residency programs include family practice, pediatric or geriatric optometry, low vision rehabilitation and ocular disease. An internship can also help you obtain the experience and skills necessary for applying to optometrist jobs after you graduate.
Related: How To Become an Optometrist (Plus FAQs)
3. License
Every state requires optometrists to have a license before they can begin practicing. Each state has its requirements, so it's important to check these requirements before you apply for a license. The standard requirements across all states are an OD degree from an accredited school and passing all sections of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry exam. Some states may require you to take a clinical exam or an exam on optometry laws.
Related: 13 Pros and Cons of Being an Optometrist (Plus Job Duties)
Frequently asked questions
What is an optometrist?
An optometrist is a health care professional who examines, diagnoses, treats and manages diseases relating to the eyes. They work with other disorders of the visual system relating to the eye, such as the structures surrounding the eyes and chronic illnesses that affect sight or vision. Some of their key responsibilities include:
Diagnosing issues with eyesight
Prescribing contact lenses, glasses and other medications
Conducting vision tests and analyzing results
Referring patients to other physicians or surgeons, as needed
Providing vision therapy
Related: Learn About Being an Optometrist
What's the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist?
Optometrists and ophthalmologists are different because optometrists aren't medical doctors. Optometrists have limitations on what they can diagnose and treat. Ophthalmologists attend additional years of medical school and are health care physicians who specialize in optical care and optical surgery.
Related: O.D. vs. M.D.: How Optometrists and Ophthalmologists Differ
What skills help optometrists succeed?
Optometrists often have skills like:
Attention to detail: Optometrists pay attention to and record patient symptoms quickly and accurately, and they manage paperwork and information regarding patient care. When they pay attention to detail, it can result in proper treatment and accurate medications and prescriptions.
Decision-making: Optometrists analyze patient results and create customized treatment plans.
Interpersonal: An optometrist's schedule largely comprises of them examining and interacting with patients. They often are at ease when interacting with patients and make them feel comfortable during the examination or treatment.
Communication: Optometrists communicate clearly and openly with their patients and other staff members. These professionals often explain treatment and at-home care to patients.
Related: 14 Careers in Optometry (Plus Salaries, Duties and FAQ)
What's the work environment for an optometrist?
Optometrists often work full-time and overtime and may work weekends or evenings to accommodate their patients' needs. Many optometrists work in a standalone office that's not a part of a health care practice. Some work in optical goods stores or doctor's offices or own their own practices.
Related: Optician vs. Optometrist: Definitions and Differences
How long does it take to become an optometrist?
On average, it takes about seven to nine years to become an optometrist. The undergraduate degree takes three to four years, and optometry school takes about four years. If an optometrist chooses to specialize, it can take an additional year for them to begin practicing.
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