Optometrists

SOC code 29-1041 · O*NET-SOC 29-1041.00 · Extensive preparation needed · Healthcare

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation

Optometrists pay

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

Median pay

$136,570

a year

Hourly

$65.66

per hour

10th$74,870Median$136,57090th$202,180

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

Average pay

$141,550

$68.05 per hour

Middle 50%

$109,400 – $165,120

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$74,870 – $202,180

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

42,790

nationwide

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

10th percentile: $74,870; $35.99/hr
25th percentile: $109,400; $52.59/hr
Median percentile: $136,570; $65.66/hr
75th percentile: $165,120; $79.39/hr
90th percentile: $202,180; $97.20/hr

Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34

+8%

Growing much faster than average

47,800

jobs in 2024

51,600

projected for 2034

About 3,800 more jobs

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.

What does an optometrist do?

Diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system. Examine eyes and visual system, diagnose problems or impairments, prescribe corrective lenses, and provide treatment. May prescribe therapeutic drugs to treat specific eye conditions.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Examine eyes, using observation, instruments, and pharmaceutical agents, to determine visual acuity and perception, focus, and coordination and to diagnose diseases and other abnormalities, such as glaucoma or color blindness.
Analyze test results and develop a treatment plan.
Prescribe, supply, fit and adjust eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision aids.
Prescribe medications to treat eye diseases if state laws permit.
Educate and counsel patients on contact lens care, visual hygiene, lighting arrangements, and safety factors.
Remove foreign bodies from the eye.
Provide patients undergoing eye surgeries, such as cataract and laser vision correction, with pre- and post-operative care.
Consult with and refer patients to ophthalmologist or other health care practitioner if additional medical treatment is determined necessary.

How to become an optometrist

Most people in this role hold doctoral degree — 95% 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

Doctoral Degree95%
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.5%

Common questions

How much does an optometrist earn?

The national median is $136,570 a year. The full range runs from $74,870 at the 10th percentile to $202,180 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 optometrist 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.

Is optometrist in demand?

Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 8% between 2024 and 2034 — growing much faster than average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension4.1/5
Active Listening4.1/5
Critical Thinking4.1/5
Writing4.0/5
Speaking4.0/5
Science3.8/5

Knowledge areas

Medicine and Dentistry4.8/5
Biology4.5/5
Customer and Personal Service4.4/5
English Language3.9/5
Mathematics3.6/5
Education and Training3.6/5
Therapy and Counseling3.5/5
Psychology3.5/5

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