The Eyes On Eyecare Optometrist Salary Calculator uses data from surveys conducted in 2025, along with supplemental data to provide accuracy. This data will be continuously updated as new information is collected and published.
To use this tool, first identify the filters you wish to use:
- US state
- Years of experience
- Practice setting
Then, identify the pay period to display averages by hourly wage, per diem, or annual salary. The calculator automatically displays the average annual salary, along with the median, and mode, of all optometrists in the whole US within this data set.
In the latest rankings by US News, the optometric profession earned the #20 spot for best health care jobs, which is an impressive distinction that reflects its meaningful impact and quality of life.1 However, when choosing a career path, earning potential is a key consideration in the pursuit of purpose and financial stability.
Factors that influence optometrist salaries
Before we delve into current salaries, let’s take a look at the components that influence those numbers. Although salaries range from the lowest 10% to the top 10% earners, several factors come into play in determining an optometrist’s salary, such as ownership and equity exposure, practice settings, specialties, and location.
Ownership and equity exposure
Interested in owning your own practice? According to a 2023 survey conducted by Review of Optometry, the highest earners in the profession tend to share two key characteristics: self-employment and seniority. Self-employed optometrists working in partnership or group private practices reported an average net income of $255,008.2
However, it is important to note that earnings can vary depending on production and practice performance. While practice ownership can significantly increase earning potential, it also comes with additional responsibilities and challenges, including balancing patient care with the demands of business management.3
Private practices
Where you choose to practice can play a major role in how much you earn. According to the most recent data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, optometrists working in outpatient care centers, such as hospitals, report the highest median annual salary at $196,800.4 Those working in physicians’ offices earn a median salary of $145,600, while optometrists in optometry offices report a median annual wage of $127,980.
The Eyes On Eyecare 2022 survey found a similar trend across private practice settings. The highest median salaries were reported in MD/OD multidisciplinary practices ($155,306), followed by hospitals and health maintenance organizations (HMOs; $152,558), and corporate practices ($140,017). At the other end of the spectrum, academic and research-based private practices reported the lowest median salary at $104,900.5
These differences highlight an important point: the type of practice setting you choose can significantly influence your earning potential as an optometrist.
Table 1: Optometrist salary by practice setting based on a 2025 Eyes On Eyecare survey.
| Practice Setting | Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| MD/OD Multidisciplinary | $145,000 |
| Hospital & HMOs | $148,000 |
| Corporate | $135,000 |
| Private Practice | $130,000 |
| VA & Military | $125,000 |
| Academic/Research | $106,500 |
Specialties
Can your optometric specialty influence how much you earn? The short answer is yes. While comprehensive statewide data is limited, specialty training can significantly boost earning potential.
According to a survey highlighted in a blog by Outpost, New York City optometrists specializing in low vision rehabilitation report some of the highest earnings, with salaries 20 to 30% above the base salary.6 Close behind are specialists in pediatric optometry and vision therapy, who earn approximately 15 to 25% above the average salary.
These findings suggest that developing expertise in a specialized area of optometry may not only expand the scope of care you provide but can also lead to meaningful financial rewards.
Location
Where you practice can make a surprisingly big difference in how much you earn as an optometrist.
According to our recent survey, the states with the highest mean optometrist salaries were Wisconsin ($250,800), Connecticut ($185,100), and Alabama ($180,600)—excluding states with smaller sample sizes. What do these states have in common? A combination of strong demand for eyecare providers, particularly in underserved communities, and a relatively lower cost of living compared with many major metropolitan areas.7
Location also plays a role in optometric residency salaries. For example, many residencies in the southwestern United States offer higher compensation. One major reason is the presence of Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities. These hospitals serve American Indian and Alaska Native populations and are known for offering some of the highest-paid optometry residencies.8
Residency salaries at IHS sites follow the Indian Health Service Title 38 pay scale (GS-11, Step 1), which is currently $104,219 and is adjusted annually.8 Unfortunately, these communities often experience a higher prevalence of ocular disease, which increases the demand for skilled eyecare providers and medical services.9 This need contributes to the higher compensation offered in these regions.
The takeaway? If maximizing your earning potential is a priority, it’s worth thinking strategically about where you choose to train and practice. The right location can make a meaningful difference to both opportunities and salaries.
If you’re currently looking for your first optometry position after graduation, click here to book a time with one of our recruiters to discuss your job search and goals.
Current state of optometry pay in 2026
In 2024, the median annual salary for optometrists in the United States was $134,830, or $64.82 per hour, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.4 Earnings in the profession vary widely, with the top 10% of optometrists earning more than $203,210 annually, while the lowest 10% earned less than $70,060.
However, findings from our most recent survey, as of 2026, indicate that the median optometrist salary is approximately $160,700, suggesting that compensation in the field continues to trend upwards.
Table 2: List of the 10 states with the highest optometrist salaries.
| State | Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Wisconsin | $250,800 |
| Connecticut | $185,100 |
| Alabama | $180,600 |
| North Carolina | $178,300 |
| Nevada | $176,600 |
| Indiana | $168,400 |
| Michigan | $167,600 |
| Minnesota | $165,200 |
| Kansas | $162,200 |
| New Jersey | $162,100 |
How much do optometrists make in each of the 50 states?
Table 3: Average optometrist salary by state.
| State | Mean Salary | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $180,600 | 7 |
| Alaska* | $145,300 | 35 |
| Arizona | $147,700 | 31 |
| Arkansas* | $146,700 | 32 |
| California | $142,000 | 39 |
| Colorado | $157,200 | 22 |
| Connecticut | $185,100 | 5 |
| Delaware* | $146,000 | 33 |
| District of Columbia | - | - |
| Florida | $150,700 | 25 |
| Georgia | $140,300 | 41 |
| Hawaii | $138,700 | 42 |
| Idaho* | $173,400 | 11 |
| Illinois | $148,900 | 29 |
| Indiana | $168,400 | 12 |
| Iowa* | $123,800 | 48 |
| Kansas | $162,200 | 16 |
| Kentucky | $144,500 | 36 |
| Louisiana* | $210,000 | 4 |
| Maine* | $131,600 | 46 |
| Maryland | $138,500 | 43 |
| Massachusetts | $148,600 | 30 |
| Michigan | $167,600 | 13 |
| Minnesota | $165,200 | 15 |
| Mississippi* | $112,800 | 49 |
| Missouri | $155,000 | 23 |
| Montana* | $184,400 | 6 |
| Nebraska | $142,800 | 37 |
| Nevada | $176,600 | 9 |
| New Hampshire* | $166,600 | 14 |
| New Jersey | $162,100 | 17 |
| New Mexico* | $247,000 | 3 |
| New York | $159,000 | 20 |
| North Carolina | $178,300 | 8 |
| North Dakota* | $175,000 | 10 |
| Ohio | $142,100 | 38 |
| Oklahoma* | $127,700 | 47 |
| Oregon | $140,600 | 40 |
| Pennsylvania | $149,800 | 27 |
| Rhode Island* | $151,600 | 24 |
| South Carolina | $145,600 | 34 |
| South Dakota* | $300,000 | 1 |
| Tennessee | $133,000 | 45 |
| Texas | $149,100 | 28 |
| Utah* | $158,600 | 21 |
| Vermont* | $133,800 | 44 |
| Virginia | $159,900 | 19 |
| Washington | $160,900 | 18 |
| West Virginia* | $150,000 | 26 |
| Wisconsin | $250,800 | 2 |
| Wyoming* | - | - |
*These results are based on a small sample size (10 salaries or less). Small sample sizes can sometimes lead to inaccurate averages.
How gender affects optometry pay in 2026
Over the past two decades, optometry has seen a remarkable shift in its student demographics. The ratio of female to male students entering optometry schools has steadily increased, bringing the profession closer than ever to gender parity. Today, the optometry workforce is approaching a 1:1 female-to-male ratio—a major milestone for the field.10,11
But an important question remains: has pay equity kept pace with this progress? Recent data suggest the answer may be more complicated. Based on 2023 data from the US Census Bureau, women working full-time, year-round across professions earn about 83% of what men earn.12 A survey by Review of Optometry found a similar pattern within the profession itself: female optometrists reported lower average earnings than male optometrists across all experience levels.2
These findings highlight an important reality. Even as the profession moves closer to equal representation, differences in compensation may still persist, raising important conversations about equity, opportunity, and transparency in the evolving optometric workforce.
Do race and ethnicity affect compensation?
The optometric workforce remains predominantly composed of White practitioners, who make up 73% of the field, followed by Asians at 17%, Hispanics at 4 to 5%, with other minority groups representing the remainder.11
Despite this racial disparity, it is still unclear whether race and ethnicity impact compensation within optometry. Unfortunately, no current studies have specifically analyzed earnings differences among racial groups in optometry.
Focus forward: OD salaries beyond 2026
The future of optometry looks bright. Recent data suggest that both salary potential and job opportunities in the profession are on an upward trajectory. According to a survey by Review of Optometry, the average optometrist's income steadily increased from 2016 to 2023, reflecting consistent growth in earning potential.2 The only notable dip occurred between 2020 and 2022, largely due to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the trend has returned to a positive upward direction.
Beyond salary, the overall demand for optometrists is expected to grow. Current projections estimate an 8% increase in employment from 2024 to 2034, which is significantly higher than the average growth rate of about 3% for all occupations.4
In other words, the outlook for optometry is not just stable, it’s growing! With rising demand for eyecare services and an aging population requiring more vision care, the profession is positioned to offer strong career prospects and increasing earning potential in the years ahead.
Strategies for increasing your salary
So, what can you do if your goal is to maximize your earning potential as an optometrist? While many factors influence salary, a few strategic decisions can make a meaningful difference.
First, location matters. Practicing in states with higher median salaries and a lower cost of living can significantly increase your overall financial return.
Second, consider developing a specialty. Fields such as low vision rehabilitation, pediatric optometry, or vision therapy often command higher compensation because they require advanced expertise and address specific patient needs.
Finally, many optometrists see strong financial benefits from practice ownership or partnership. Becoming a self-employed optometrist in a group or partnership practice can create opportunities for higher income, greater autonomy, and long-term financial growth.
In short, the path you choose can play a major role in shaping your future earnings in optometry: where you practice, what you specialize in, and whether you pursue ownership.
In closing
Looking ahead, the positive job outlook and steady growth of optometry suggest that future optometrists will continue to reap the benefits from increasing demand for vision and eyecare services.
For fellow optometrists and students looking to advance in the field, understanding the factors that influence compensation can help guide strategic career decisions and maximize both professional impact and financial success.
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