How to Become a Optometrist
Optometrists earn a median salary of $136,570/year in the United States. Most positions require Doctoral or professional degree. The highest-paying states include Alaska, Maryland, North Carolina.
Where Optometrists have the most money left over after rent
Median pay minus estimated federal + state + FICA taxes, minus 12 months of rent at HUD's 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent. Darker green means more money left over each year. Hover any state for the breakdown.
View map data as a table
| State | Median (nominal) | Rent/mo (2BR) | Left after rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $170K | $1,643 | $107K |
| North Carolina | $162K | $1,284 | $99K |
| Washington | $158K | $1,830 | $96K |
| Florida | $152K | $1,658 | $95K |
| Maryland | $166K | $1,795 | $95K |
| Delaware | $161K | $1,448 | $94K |
| Minnesota | $159K | $1,384 | $93K |
| Maine | $154K | $1,281 | $91K |
| New Mexico | $145K | $1,119 | $90K |
| Alabama | $145K | $1,085 | $90K |
| New York | $161K | $1,917 | $89K |
| South Carolina | $146K | $1,263 | $88K |
| Tennessee | $134K | $1,215 | $88K |
| New Jersey | $159K | $2,067 | $87K |
| Illinois | $146K | $1,407 | $86K |
| Indiana | $136K | $1,144 | $86K |
| North Dakota | $132K | $1,034 | $86K |
| Colorado | $152K | $1,832 | $86K |
| Kansas | $139K | $1,066 | $85K |
| Nevada | $136K | $1,501 | $85K |
| Ohio | $135K | $1,188 | $85K |
| Wisconsin | $140K | $1,202 | $85K |
| Connecticut | $150K | $1,679 | $85K |
| Missouri | $134K | $1,097 | $83K |
| Pennsylvania | $135K | $1,351 | $83K |
| Michigan | $136K | $1,272 | $82K |
| Kentucky | $129K | $1,110 | $80K |
| Texas | $126K | $1,415 | $80K |
| Vermont | $137K | $1,498 | $80K |
| Massachusetts | $152K | $2,347 | $79K |
| Rhode Island | $135K | $1,544 | $79K |
| Arkansas | $124K | $1,021 | $79K |
| Hawaii | $155K | $2,240 | $78K |
| New Hampshire | $126K | $1,528 | $78K |
| Iowa | $125K | $1,064 | $77K |
| Nebraska | $125K | $1,113 | $77K |
| Georgia | $129K | $1,434 | $75K |
| Wyoming | $111K | $1,008 | $75K |
| Virginia | $132K | $1,646 | $74K |
| West Virginia | $118K | $1,008 | $74K |
| Arizona | $122K | $1,437 | $74K |
| Louisiana | $118K | $1,191 | $73K |
| Oregon | $132K | $1,555 | $71K |
| Utah | $119K | $1,350 | $70K |
| District of Columbia | $135K | $2,146 | $69K |
| South Dakota | $102K | $1,017 | $68K |
| Mississippi | $108K | $1,077 | $66K |
| California | $136K | $2,471 | $65K |
| Idaho | $103K | $1,136 | $63K |
| Montana | $104K | $1,129 | $63K |
| Oklahoma | $97K | $1,081 | $60K |
Education and training
Healthcare careers typically require formal education from an accredited program, ranging from certificate programs (6-12 months for roles like medical assistants and phlebotomists) to doctoral degrees (for physicians, pharmacists, and physical therapists). Most healthcare education includes mandatory clinical rotations or supervised practice hours that can't be completed online alone. Programs must be accredited by the relevant professional body for graduates to sit for licensing exams.
To work as a optometrists, most employers want Doctoral or professional degree. Hands-on experience through internships, entry-level positions, or structured training complements formal education.
Licensing and certification
Most healthcare roles require state licensure or national certification, often both. Licensing typically involves completing an accredited program, passing a standardized exam, and maintaining continuing education credits for renewal. Many healthcare licenses are state-specific: you may need a new license if you move, although interstate compacts are expanding in nursing, physical therapy, and other fields.
What the day-to-day looks like
Healthcare work is inherently hands-on and interpersonal. Most roles involve direct patient interaction, documentation in electronic health records, coordination with other providers, and adherence to safety protocols and regulations. Schedules vary dramatically by setting, hospitals operate 24/7 with shift work, while clinics and private practices typically run standard business hours.
Career progression
Healthcare offers unusually clear career ladders. Most professions have defined levels (entry, experienced, specialist, advanced practice, management) with specific credential requirements at each step. Lateral moves between specialties are common, and advanced degrees open doors to higher-paying or leadership roles. The aging U.S. population means demand for healthcare workers is projected to grow faster than the overall economy for the foreseeable future.
Salary progression
Highest paying states
| State | Median salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $170K | 60 |
| Maryland | $166K | 780 |
| North Carolina | $162K | 1,140 |
| Delaware | $161K | 190 |
| New York | $161K | 2,390 |
| New Jersey | $159K | 1,380 |
| Minnesota | $159K | 710 |
| Washington | $158K | 760 |
| Hawaii | $155K | 230 |
| Maine | $154K | 180 |
Where the jobs are
The highest-paying state for optometristss is Alaska at $170,310/year, that's $33,740 above the national median. But higher pay often comes with higher costs. Before assuming the top-paying state is the best financial move, check the full affordability breakdown for Alaska.
The pay gap between the highest and lowest-paying states is $72,960. That spread sounds dramatic, but cost-of-living differences offset much of it. A optometrists making $97,350 in Oklahoma may have more purchasing power than one making $170,310 in Alaska if rent and local prices differ enough.
By employment volume, the states with the most optometrists jobs are California (6,890 workers), Texas (4,110 workers), New York (2,390 workers). High employment numbers mean more job openings, more employer competition for talent, and usually more leverage when negotiating salary. States with fewer workers in the field may pay less but also have less competition for positions.
For the full state-by-state comparison with salary percentiles, cost-of-living adjustment, and rent affordability for optometristss, see the complete salary data page.
Salary negotiation
In healthcare, the strongest negotiation levers are specialization (certifications in high-demand areas), willingness to work undesirable shifts (nights, weekends, holidays command premium differentials), geographic flexibility (rural and underserved areas often offer sign-on bonuses and loan repayment), and experience in high-acuity settings.
What the data doesn't tell you
BLS salary data for healthcare occupations often underreports total compensation because overtime, shift differentials, sign-on bonuses, and per diem premiums aren't captured in the median wage figure. The actual W-2 for many clinical roles exceeds the BLS median by 10-20%.
See the full salary picture
Percentile breakdown, cost of living, rent burden, and purchasing power for optometristss in every metro.
View Optometrists salaries →Frequently asked questions
How much does a optometrists make?▼
The median optometrists salary in the United States is $136,570 per year ($66/hour). Entry-level positions start around $74,870, while experienced professionals earn up to $202,180.
What education do you need to become a optometrist?▼
Most optometrists positions require Doctoral or professional degree. Requirements vary by state and employer. Check with your state's licensing board for specific requirements.
What is the job outlook for optometrists?▼
Check the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for the latest employment projections for optometrists.
What are the highest paying states for optometrists?▼
The highest paying states for optometrists are Alaska ($170,310), Maryland ($165,840), North Carolina ($161,560), Delaware ($161,270), New York ($161,140). Salaries vary significantly by location due to cost of living and local demand.