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Salary comparison

Optometrists vs. Registered Nurses: Salary Comparison

Optometrists earn a median salary of $134,830/year, while Registered Nurses earn $93,600/year — a difference of $41,230. Optometrists earn more on average. Both salaries are based on national BLS data.

Optometrists
Registered Nurses
Median salary
$134,830
$93,600
Hourly rate
$64.82/hr
$45/hr
Entry level (10th %)
$70,060
$66,030
Senior level (90th %)
$203,210
$135,320
Education required
Doctoral or professional degree
Bachelor's degree
U.S. employment
41,890
3,282,010
Job growth (10-year)
N/A
4.9%
Category
Healthcare
Healthcare
Full Optometrists salary breakdownView →Full Registered Nurses salary breakdownView →How to become a optometristsGuide →How to become a registered nursesGuide →