Optometrists vs Dentists salary

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for Optometrists is $125,440, while the average annual salary for Dentists is $167,160. This means that Dentists earn a significantly higher salary than Optometrists.

However, it's worth mentioning that the amount of pay an employee receives can be influenced by factors like location, experience, and the specific setting in which they work. As an example, Optometrists who work in Connecticut (with salary averaging $155,070) may earn more than those who work in Idaho ($85,200). To give another example, the average salary of Dentists in Delaware is 87% higher compared to those in Idaho.

Optometrists vs Dentists overview

Optometrists and Dentists are two important roles in the Health Care Services industry. Many people are interested in understanding the differences between these jobs, as well as the average salaries for each.

Optometrist job description

Optometrists 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.

Optometrist education and experience

In order to become an Optometrist, a person typically must obtain a Doctoral Degree. When it comes to experience, more than half of Optometrist jobs do not require any previous experience. A smaller percentage of jobs (19%) require a previous experience of 6 months to 1 year.

Optometrist average salary

Based on data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 38,720 Optometrists were employed by the United States in 2021, and their average annual salary was $125,440. The lowest earning 10 percent made $61,590 or less, and the highest earning 10 percent made $192,390 or more per year.

Do Optometrists make good money?

Optometrists usually receive good salaries, as their average salary is 115% higher than the average wage in the United States ($58,260). Furthermore, they earn 78% more than the average wage of the Health Care Services industry ($70,360).

Optometrists usually receive good salaries, as their average salary is 115% higher than the average wage in the United States ($58,260).

Optometrists job growth

In 2021, there have been 2,030 more Optometrist positions than the previous year nationwide, which marks a rise of 5.5%. Over the past 3 years, job growth has averaged 1.5%.

Dentist job description

Alternative names: Dentists, General

Dentists examine, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth and gums. May treat diseases of nerve, pulp, and other dental tissues affecting oral hygiene and retention of teeth. May fit dental appliances or provide preventive care.

Dentist education and experience

Becoming a Dentist typically involves completing a Doctoral Degree. However, among employees in this occupation, there are also some with a College Course Certificate (7%) and a Master's Degree (6%). In terms of experience, about a third of Dentist jobs require no previous experience. A smaller part of jobs (20%) require a previous experience of 2 to 4 years.

Dentist average salary

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that in 2021, there were 108,680 Dentists working in the United States, and on average, they earned $167,160 per year. The bottom 10 percent earned $62,810 or less, and the top 10 percent earned $208,000 or more. Compared to the previous year, the average salary has decreased by 7.6%.

Do Dentists make good money?

Dentists generally earn good salaries, as their average salary is almost two times higher than the average salary in the United States ($58,260). Additionally, they earn 138% more than the average pay of the Health Care Services industry ($70,360).

Dentists generally earn good salaries, as their average salary is almost two times higher than the average salary in the United States ($58,260).

Dentists job growth

In 2021, there have been 12,760 more Dentist roles than the previous year nationwide, which marks a growth of 13.3%. Over the past 3 years, job growth has averaged -0.7%.

FAQ

Do Optometrists or Dentists make more?

The average earnings of Dentists are about a third higher than those of Optometrists. On average, Optometrists make $125,440 per year, while Dentists make $167,160.

How long does it take to become an Optometrist vs Dentist?

Both Optometrist and Dentist occupations usually require a Doctoral Degree. It most often takes between 4 years and 6 years to obtain a Doctoral Degree. And, given that a Master's Degree must be completed first, the full educational process could take around 13 years to finish.

Is it harder to become an Optometrist vs Dentist?

The education requirements for both occupations are similar, making the difficulty of achieving either one equal.