Optometrist Salary in 2026
How Much Do Optometrists Make?
Optometrists earn a median annual salary of $134,830 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $70,060 at the 10th percentile to $203,210 at the 90th percentile — a range of $133,150. The highest-paying state is Alaska at $165,830.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $70,060 |
| 25th percentile | $103,310 |
| Median (50th) | $134,830 |
| 75th percentile | $163,710 |
| 90th percentile | $203,210 |
Optometrist Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Alaskatop | $165,830 |
| New York | $163,040 |
| Maryland | $157,830 |
| Washington | $157,650 |
| New Jersey | $156,000 |
| Vermont | $156,000 |
| New Mexico | $154,630 |
| District of Columbia | $154,300 |
| North Carolina | $153,750 |
| Massachusetts | $150,820 |
| Minnesota | $150,020 |
| Nevada | $146,760 |
| Rhode Island | $144,360 |
| Connecticut | $143,000 |
| Delaware | $137,910 |
| Wisconsin | $137,650 |
| South Carolina | $137,450 |
| Colorado | $137,370 |
| California | $137,070 |
| Hawaii | $136,670 |
| Illinois | $136,200 |
| Arizona | $134,430 |
| Maine | $133,470 |
| Kentucky | $132,000 |
| Michigan | $131,700 |
| New Hampshire | $130,310 |
| West Virginia | $130,190 |
| Ohio | $130,000 |
| Alabama | $129,700 |
| Georgia | $129,690 |
| Florida | $129,500 |
| North Dakota | $128,940 |
| Kansas | $128,510 |
| Texas | $128,360 |
| Pennsylvania | $128,260 |
| Indiana | $127,080 |
| Utah | $124,830 |
| Louisiana | $120,080 |
| Iowa | $119,990 |
| Oregon | $119,980 |
| South Dakota | $118,980 |
| Nebraska | $116,850 |
| Missouri | $113,030 |
| Tennessee | $110,660 |
| Montana | $108,600 |
| Mississippi | $107,600 |
| Arkansas | $99,970 |
| Oklahoma | $98,890 |
| Wyoming | $88,410 |
| Idaho | $66,880 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Optometrists
Optometrist 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) | ~$70,060 – $103,310 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$134,830 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$163,710 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $203,210+ |
How to Earn More as an Optometrist
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Optometrists in Syracuse, NY earn $163,400 — $28,570 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 ($163,710) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Optometrist Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Optometristthis career | $134,830 |
| Chiropractor | $79,000 |
| Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon | $239,200 |
| Podiatrist | $152,800 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $129,210 |
Find out where you stand — free in 2 minutes
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SOC: 29-1041.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.