How much does an Optometrist make?
Experience
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- 4-6 Years
- 7-9 Years
- 10-14 Years
- 15+ Years
Industry
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- Healthcare
- Information Technology
- Insurance
- Manufacturing
- Media & Communication
- Nonprofit & NGO
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- Real Estate
- Restaurants & Food Service
- Retail & Wholesale
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- Hotels & Travel Accommodation
- Human Resources & Staffing
$187,063
/ yrThe estimated total pay for a Optometrist is $187,063 per year in the United States area, with an average salary of $140,555 per year. These numbers represent the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users. The estimated additional pay is $46,508 per year. Additional pay could include cash bonus, commission, tips, and profit sharing. The "Most Likely Range" represents values that exist within the 25th and 75th percentile of all pay data available for this role.
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Top Paying Companies
For an Optometrist in United States
Below is the total pay for the top 10 highest paying companies for an Optometrist in United States. Employers include Walmart, Costco Wholesale and Doctor's Exchange of Arizona (Phoenix).
Top Paying Companies
For Optometrist in United States
| 1 | Walmart | $271,932 | |
| 2 | Costco Wholesale | $263,014 | |
| 3 | Doctor's Exchange of Arizona (Phoenix) | $228,158 | |
| 4 | Standard Optical | $227,263 | |
| 5 | Sam's Club | $225,037 | |
| 6 | Shopko Optical | $213,065 | |
| 7 | SEE Eyewear | $211,232 | |
| 8 | DOCTOR'S EXCHANGE OF GEORGIA | $208,944 | |
| 9 | ETS Recruit | $208,120 | |
| 10 | America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses | $204,623 |
What are total pay estimates for an Optometrist at different companies?
- Popular
- Most Reports
- Salary: high to low
- Salary: low to high
$204,029
/ yr
$181,413
/ yr$204,623
/ yr
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$177,578
/ yr
$140,047
/ yr
$195,809
/ yr
$147,146
/ yr
$271,932
/ yr
$164,799
/ yr
$187,027
/ yr
$192,603
/ yrOptometrist Salaries
Top Paying Industries
For an Optometrist in United States
The top 5 paying industries for an Optometrist in United States are Human Resources & Staffing with a median total pay of $208,120, Retail & Wholesale with a median total pay of $204,326, Manufacturing with a median total pay of $193,854, Healthcare with a median total pay of $180,350, and Media & Communication with a median total pay of $167,662.
Human Resources & Staffing
The top paying company in Human Resources & Staffing for Optometrist is ETS Recruit.
Glassdoor Economist Pay Overview
What is the pay outlook for Healthcare?
Healthcare jobs, already in high demand, are expected to grow extensively to meet the increased need from an aging population. Careers in this industry are diverse, though most require additional training and pay above-average wages. Despite fewer opportunities for remote work than other professions, healthcare jobs can be found nearly everywhere, including both rural and urban settings. While careers in healthcare offer high job security, they also often involve long hours, including evening and weekend shift work, particularly for those just starting their career.
Recent Salaries Shared
For optometrist
Job Title
Location
Total Pay
Base Pay | Additional Pay
Total Years of Experience
Years at Recent Employer
Submitted
Date or Time
United States of America
| 4-6 years
/yr
$135K | $10K
Submitted Yesterday
United States of America
| 1-3 years
/yr
Submitted Yesterday
United States of America
| 10-14 years
/yr
Submitted Yesterday
United States of America
| 1-3 years
/yr
Submitted 2 days ago
United States of America
| 1-3 years
/yr
$149K | $10K
Submitted 2 days ago
United States of America
| 1-3 years
/yr
$170K | $20K
Submitted 2 days ago
United States of America
| 1-3 years
/hr
$63 | $6K
Submitted 2 days ago
United States of America
| 4-6 years
/yr
Submitted 2 days ago
United States of America
| 1-3 years
/hr
Submitted 3 days ago
Optometrist pay FAQ
The national average salary for an Optometrist is $140,555 per year in United States. Filter by location to see an Optometrist salaries in your area. Salaries estimates are based on 1737 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by an Optometrist employees.
The highest salary for an Optometrist in United States is $229,111 per year.
The lowest salary for an Optometrist in United States is $86,227 per year.
If you are thinking of becoming an Optometrist or planning the next step in your career, find details about the role, the career path and salary trajectory of an Optometrist.
Optometrists receive pay similar to the pay of dentists and podiatrists, and generally above the pay of audiologists, chiropractors and opticians. Growing demand, driven by an aging and chronically ill American population, will likely lead to an increase in pay over the next decade. Successful optometrists who own their own practice can increase their pay by building a strong reputation and gaining new clients.
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Join thousands of real professionals anonymously talking about salaries in their industry
Around 73% of the optometrists who report their salaries on Glassdoor are happy with their income. Roles offering additional bonuses, profit sharing, and incentives totaling around $46,508.04 can constitute a decent optometrist salary. Between four and seven years of experience can also increase your earning power.
Join thousands of real professionals anonymously talking about salaries in their industry
According to Glassdoor's data, most optometrist salaries are between $113,201.86 and $314,220.54, with the average practitioner on an income of $140,554.56. However, the average total income rises to around $187,062.60 when you add performance bonuses and other perks. Your salary could be even higher as a senior optometrist. Discover how your experience level affects your expected income by exploring optometrist career paths.
Learn more about negotiating salaries from thousands of other real professionals
Most optometrists have a bachelor's degree, but completing a graduate qualification in optometric medicine could help you acquire desirable skills and progress faster up the salary ladder. Various job-related related master's subjects are available, including Applied Optometry, Vision Sciences, and Visual Rehabilitation.
Completing the American Board of Optometry (ABO) Certification can also help you demonstrate advanced skills and make it easier to advance your career. Some organizations only employ optometrists with ABO credentials, so obtaining your certification can open up a broader range of career opportunities. Alternatively, you could consider completing the Paraoptometric Certification through the American Optometric Association (AOA).
Just landed your dream optometrist job? It's time to talk salary. Going into a negotiation with a clear understanding of what most optometrists earn at your seniority level can help you recognize a good deal.
Unhappy with the offer on the table? Point out ways in which your skills have benefited previous employers, ideally with measurable outcomes. For example, you could detail how your input increased sales, patient satisfaction, or community awareness at your last practice. Focusing on your most impressive performance metrics can also help you highlight your value to an existing employer and negotiate a raise.