Optometrists vs Ophthalmologists salary

As reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Optometrists earn an average of $125,440 per year, while Ophthalmologists earn an average of $270,090 per year. Therefore, the salary for Ophthalmologists is much higher than that of Optometrists.

However, it's important to keep in mind that the salary of an employee can be influenced by factors such as location and experience. In particular, Optometrists working in Connecticut (with a wage of $155,070 on average) may have higher salaries than those in Idaho ($85,200).

Optometrists vs Ophthalmologists overview

Optometrists and Ophthalmologists are crucial to the Health Care Services industry. Many people are interested in understanding the distinctions between these job titles, including the average earnings for each of them.

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. With regard 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

According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the United States had a workforce of 38,720 Optometrists 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%.

Ophthalmologist job description

Alternative names: Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric

Ophthalmologists 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.

Ophthalmologist education and experience

42% of Ophthalmologists have completed a Post-Doctoral Training, 20% have a Doctoral Degree, and 14% hold a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate. Regarding experience, about a third of Ophthalmologist jobs require a 4 to 6 years of experience in the field. A smaller percentage of jobs (20%) require a previous experience of 2 to 4 years.

Ophthalmologist average salary

As reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021, the number of Ophthalmologists employed in the United States was 11,610, and they earned an average of $270,090 per year. The bottom 10 percent had a salary of $100,940 or less, and the top 10 percent had a salary of $208,000 or more.

Do Ophthalmologists make good money?

Ophthalmologists are usually paid well, as their average salary is almost four times higher than the average wage in the United States ($58,260). Moreover, they earn almost three times more than the average wage of the Health Care Services industry ($70,360).

Ophthalmologists are usually paid well, as their average salary is almost four times higher than the average wage in the United States ($58,260).

FAQ

Do Optometrists or Ophthalmologists make more?

Ophthalmologists make 115% more than Optometrists. The average annual salary for Optometrists is $125,440, while Ophthalmologists earn $270,090 per year.

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

Becoming an Optometrist typically requires a Doctoral Degree. Obtaining a Doctoral Degree usually takes between 4 years and 6 years of study. And, given that a Master's Degree is a prerequisite, the full educational process could take around 13 years to complete. In contrast, becoming an Ophthalmologist typically requires a Post-Doctoral Training. Obtaining a Post-Doctoral Training usually takes between 9 months and 2 years of study. And, given that a Doctoral Degree is a prerequisite, the full educational process could take around 15 years to complete.

Is it harder to become an Optometrist vs Ophthalmologist?

Becoming an Ophthalmologist is slightly more difficult than becoming an Optometrist, since an additional 2 years of education are required.