Optometrists Salary (2025)
Based on 42,790 employed workers · BLS OEWS May 2025
Salary Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual |
|---|---|
10th Percentile Bottom 10% | $74,870 |
25th Percentile Lower quarter | $109,400 |
50th PercentileMedian Median | $136,570 |
75th Percentile Upper quarter | $165,120 |
90th Percentile Top 10% | $202,180 |
Salary Distribution
Annual Salary Range
10th
$75K
25th
$109K
Median
$137K
75th
$165K
90th
$202K
Highest Paying States for Optometrists
States with highest average wages · BLS May 2025
| State | Annual Mean |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $165,120 |
| New Jersey | $161,110 |
| North Carolina | $161,030 |
| Maine | $160,730 |
| Washington | $159,380 |
| Virginia | $155,530 |
| New Mexico | $153,180 |
| New York | $153,130 |
| Massachusetts | $152,550 |
| Colorado | $152,460 |
Geographic Salary Variation
Optometrists salaries vary significantly across the United States. The highest paying state is Alaska at an average of $165,120 per year, while Colorado has an average of $152,460 — a difference of $12,660. These geographic differences reflect variations in cost of living, demand, and local labor market conditions.
Highest Paying Metro Areas
Top cities by average annual wage
About Optometrists
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 42,790 workers were employed as Optometristss in the United States as of May 2025. This occupation is classified under Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations. The annual mean wage of $141,550 reflects data from employer surveys conducted by BLS.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025 · SOC Code: 29-1041