Optometrists are healthcare professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating various eye conditions. They play an essential role in maintaining a healthy vision for their patients. However, one of the most common questions people ask when considering a career in optometry is how much they can expect to earn. We’ll take a closer look at optometrist salaries and what factors can impact earnings.
Key Takeaways:
- Optometrists are healthcare professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating eye-related problems, and they can prescribe glasses, contact lenses, and medication to correct vision issues.
- Optometrist salaries can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, practice setting, specialty, and hours worked. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for optometrists was $126,520 as of May 2020.
- Becoming an optometrist requires completing a bachelor’s degree, attending a four-year Doctor of Optometry program, passing the NBEO exam, and obtaining a state license to practice. Optometry can be a fulfilling and lucrative career choice for those interested in eye health.
What is an Optometrist?
Optometrists are medical professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating eye-related problems. They can prescribe glasses, contact lenses, and medication to correct vision issues, as well as perform eye exams and tests to detect eye diseases and conditions.
Optometrists work in a variety of settings, including private practices, clinics, and hospitals. They may also work alongside ophthalmologists, who are medical doctors specializing in eye and vision care, to provide comprehensive eye care services.
How Much do Optometrists Make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for optometrists was $126,520 as of May 2020. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $68,830, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $204,100. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
The BLS also reports that the highest-paying industries for optometrists are outpatient care centers, followed by offices of other health practitioners, including optometrists, and offices of physicians.
Factors Affecting Optometrist Salaries
Several factors can impact optometrist salaries, including:
- Experience: Like most professions, optometrists’ salaries typically increase with experience. New graduates may start out earning less than experienced optometrists who have been practicing for several years.
- Location: Optometrist salaries can also vary depending on the location of the practice. Optometrists in metropolitan areas, where the cost of living is typically higher, may earn more than those practicing in rural areas.
- Practice Setting: The type of practice setting can also impact optometrist salaries. Those who work in private practices may have the potential to earn more than those who work in clinics or hospitals.
- Specialty: Optometrists who specialize in areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or low vision may earn more than general optometrists.
- Hours Worked: The number of hours worked can also affect optometrist salaries. Those who work part-time or have reduced schedules may earn less than those who work full-time.
How to Become an Optometrist
To become an optometrist, you must first complete a bachelor’s degree program. While there is no specific major required, most students choose a degree in biology, chemistry, or a related field.
After completing the bachelor’s degree, you will need to attend a four-year Doctor of Optometry (OD) program.
During the optometry program, students take courses in anatomy, physiology, optics, and pharmacology, among other subjects. They also receive hands-on training in the diagnosis and treatment of eye-related problems.
After completing the OD program, aspiring optometrists must pass the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) exam and obtain a state license to practice.
Is Optometry a Good Career Choice?
Optometry can be a rewarding career choice for those interested in eye health and helping patients maintain healthy vision. Optometrists enjoy a high level of job security, with a growing demand for eye care services as the population ages.
In addition to a good salary, optometrists also benefit from flexible work schedules and the ability to work in a variety of settings, including private practices, clinics, and hospitals.
However, like any career, optometry has its challenges. Optometrists may work long hours, including evenings and weekends, and may have to deal with difficult patients. They also need to keep up with advances in technology and new treatments to provide the best care for their patients.
Despite these challenges, optometry can be a fulfilling and lucrative career choice for those interested in eye health. With the growing demand for eye care services, optometrists can expect a high level of job security and competitive salaries.
Conclusion
In summary, optometrists are healthcare professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating eye-related problems. They can prescribe glasses, contact lenses, and medication to correct vision issues and perform eye exams and tests to detect eye diseases and conditions.
Optometrist salaries can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, practice setting, specialty, and hours worked. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for optometrists was $126,520 as of May 2020.
Becoming an optometrist requires completing a bachelor’s degree and attending a four-year Doctor of Optometry program, passing the NBEO exam, and obtaining a state license to practice.
Optometry can be a rewarding and fulfilling career choice for those interested in eye health, offering job security, competitive salaries, and flexible work schedules.
