Optometrists vs Pharmacists salary

As reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Optometrists earn an average of $125,440 per year, while Pharmacists earn an average of $125,690 per year. Therefore, these careers pay similar salaries.

However, it's important to mention that the salary of an employee can be influenced by factors such as location and experience. For example, Optometrists working in Connecticut (with a wage of $155,070 on average) may have higher salaries than those in Idaho ($85,200). To provide another instance, Pharmacists in California have an average pay that is 27% higher compared to those in Tennessee.

Optometrists vs Pharmacists overview

Optometrists and Pharmacists are fundamental to the Health and Personal Care Stores industry. There is a common interest in understanding the differences between these job titles, as well as the average pay 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

Becoming an Optometrist typically involves obtaining a Doctoral Degree. Regarding experience, the majority of Optometrist occupations require no previous experience. A smaller number of roles (19%) require a previous experience of 6 months to 1 year.

Optometrist average salary

As stated by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the United States employed 38,720 Optometrists in 2021, and the average income they earned annually was $125,440. The bottom 10 percent had earnings of $61,590 or less, and the top 10 percent had earnings of $192,390 or more.

Do Optometrists make good money?

Optometrists are typically paid well, since their mean salary is 115% above the average wage in the United States ($58,260). Furthermore, they make 78% more than the mean earnings of the Health Care Services industry ($70,360).

Optometrists are typically paid well, since their mean salary is 115% above 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 across the nation, and that marks a rise of 5.5%. Job growth has averaged 1.5% over the past 3 years.

Pharmacist job description

Pharmacists dispense drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and provide information to patients about medications and their use. May advise physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosage, interactions, and side effects of medications.

Pharmacist education and experience

Most Pharmacists (78%) have completed a Doctoral Degree. But this field also includes some employees who have a Bachelor's Degree (11%) and a Post-Doctoral Training (5%). With regard to experience, 45% of Pharmacist occupations do not require any previous experience. A smaller number of roles (22%) require a previous experience of 2 to 4 years.

Pharmacist average salary

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the United States had a workforce of 312,550 Pharmacists in 2021 and they earned an average annual income of $125,690. The lowest earning 10 percent made $76,840 or less, and the highest earning 10 percent made $164,590 or more per year.

Do Pharmacists make good money?

Pharmacists typically make good salaries, since their mean salary is 116% above the average pay in the United States ($58,260). Furthermore, they make almost two times more than the mean earnings of the Health and Personal Care Stores industry ($47,490).

Pharmacists typically make good salaries, since their mean salary is 116% above the average pay in the United States ($58,260).

FAQ

Do Optometrists or Pharmacists make more?

These two occupations have comparable salaries. Optometrists average around $125,440 per year, while Pharmacists make $125,690 per year.

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

Both Optometrist and Pharmacist jobs usually require 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.

Is it harder to become an Optometrist vs Pharmacist?

Neither job title is more challenging to attain than the other, as they both require the same type of education.