Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric

SOC code 29-1241 · O*NET-SOC 29-1241.00 · Extensive preparation needed · Healthcare

Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$300,080

a year

Hourly

$144.27

per hour

10th$100,180Median$300,08090th$489,710

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$304,650

$146.47 per hour

Middle 50%

$173,650 – $421,530

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$100,180 – $489,710

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

8,950

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $100,180; $48.16/hr
25th percentile: $173,650; $83.49/hr
Median percentile: $300,080; $144.27/hr
75th percentile: $421,530; $202.66/hr
90th percentile: $489,710; $235.44/hr

What do ophthalmologists, except pediatric do?

Diagnose and perform surgery to treat and help prevent disorders and diseases of the eye. May also provide vision services for treatment including glasses and contacts.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Perform comprehensive examinations of the visual system to determine the nature or extent of ocular disorders.
Diagnose or treat injuries, disorders, or diseases of the eye and eye structures including the cornea, sclera, conjunctiva, or eyelids.
Provide or direct the provision of postoperative care.
Develop or implement plans and procedures for ophthalmologic services.
Prescribe or administer topical or systemic medications to treat ophthalmic conditions and to manage pain.
Develop treatment plans based on patients' histories and goals, the nature and severity of disorders, and treatment risks and benefits.
Perform ophthalmic surgeries such as cataract, glaucoma, refractive, corneal, vitro-retinal, eye muscle, or oculoplastic surgeries.
Educate patients about maintenance and promotion of healthy vision.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold post-doctoral training — 42% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 5 — Extensive preparation needed

Education: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Experience: Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Training: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

See all zone 5 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Post-Doctoral Training42%
Doctoral Degree20%
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate14%
First Professional Degree - awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession.14%

Common questions

How much does an ophthalmologists, except pediatric earn?

The national median is $300,080 a year. The full range runs from $100,180 at the 10th percentile to $489,710 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become an ophthalmologists, except pediatric without a degree?

Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 5, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree). The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension4.3/5
Critical Thinking4.3/5
Active Listening4.1/5
Writing4.0/5
Speaking4.0/5
Active Learning4.0/5
Monitoring4.0/5

Knowledge areas

Medicine and Dentistry4.5/5
English Language4.4/5
Customer and Personal Service4.1/5
Biology3.8/5
Administration and Management3.6/5
Education and Training3.5/5
Mathematics3.3/5
Computers and Electronics3.1/5

Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making.