Ophthalmologist Salary in 2026
How Much Do Ophthalmologists Make?
Ophthalmologists earn a median annual salary of $239,200 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $104,240 at the 10th percentile to $239,200 at the 90th percentile — a range of $134,960. The highest-paying state is District of Columbia at $239,200.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $104,240 |
| 25th percentile | $181,490 |
| Median (50th) | $239,200 |
| 75th percentile | $239,200 |
| 90th percentile | $239,200 |
Ophthalmologist Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbiatop | $239,200 |
| Florida | $239,200 |
| Georgia | $239,200 |
| Illinois | $239,200 |
| Indiana | $239,200 |
| Maine | $239,200 |
| Massachusetts | $239,200 |
| Michigan | $239,200 |
| Minnesota | $239,200 |
| Mississippi | $239,200 |
| Montana | $239,200 |
| Nevada | $239,200 |
| New Hampshire | $239,200 |
| New Jersey | $239,200 |
| New York | $239,200 |
| North Carolina | $239,200 |
| Ohio | $239,200 |
| Oregon | $239,200 |
| Rhode Island | $239,200 |
| Tennessee | $239,200 |
| Texas | $239,200 |
| Arkansas | $239,200 |
| Washington | $239,200 |
| California | $239,200 |
| Colorado | $239,200 |
| Connecticut | $218,770 |
| Maryland | $218,490 |
| Wisconsin | $214,690 |
| Louisiana | $212,890 |
| Pennsylvania | $208,060 |
| Oklahoma | $208,000 |
| South Carolina | $206,450 |
| Vermont | $205,130 |
| Alabama | $181,490 |
| South Dakota | $174,160 |
| Utah | $168,530 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Ophthalmologists
Ophthalmologist Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$104,240 – $181,490 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$239,200 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$239,200 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $239,200+ |
How to Earn More as an Ophthalmologist
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Ophthalmologists in California earn $239,200 — $0 above the national median. An advanced credential — such as a graduate degree or specialized certification — is consistently associated with higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($239,200) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Ophthalmologist Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Ophthalmologistthis career | $239,200 |
| Chiropractor | $79,000 |
| Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon | $239,200 |
| Optometrist | $134,830 |
| Podiatrist | $152,800 |
Find out where you stand — free in 2 minutes
PathScorer compares your skills to Ophthalmologist requirements and shows you what you already qualify for — plus which similar careers pay more for your background.
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SOC: 29-1241.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.