Optometrist: Career Overview
Official government data · Updated April 2026
Optometrists earn a national median of $134,830/yr with 8% projected employment growth over 2024–2034. The role draws on expertise in Medicine and Dentistry, Biology, Customer and Personal Service.
Median Salary
$134,830
National · 2024
10-Year Growth
8%
Faster than average
Employed Nationally
41,890
2024 data
Typical Education
Doctoral or professional degree
Entry-level
What Employers Expect From a Optometrist
These are the competencies recruiters screen for in Optometrist candidates, ranked by importance. Your resume should demonstrate each one:
Knowledge Areas
Core knowledge domains most important for Optometrist performance, based on verified occupational data.
Tools & Technologies
High-demand tools and technologies for Optometrist roles.
Job Outlook: 2024–2034
Employment is projected to grow 8% for Optometrist roles over the 2024–2034 decade. That's faster than average compared to the 4% average across all occupations.
- Current Employment
- 41,890
- Projected Growth
- 8%
- Typical Education
- Doctoral or professional degree
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does a Optometrist do?
- Optometrists apply expertise in Medicine and Dentistry, Biology, Customer and Personal Service to perform their core responsibilities. Key competencies include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Writing.
- How much does a Optometrist make?
- The national median salary for a Optometrist is $134,830 per year based on official government wage survey data. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.
- Is Optometrist a good career in 2026?
- Employment for Optometrist roles is projected to grow 8% over the 2024–2034 decade — faster than average compared to all occupations. There are currently 41,890 workers in this occupation nationally.
- What education do you need to become a Optometrist?
- The typical entry-level education for a Optometrist is Doctoral or professional degree. Requirements vary by employer and specialization.
- What skills do Optometrists need?
- The most important skills for Optometrist roles based on verified occupational data: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Writing, Speaking, Social Perceptiveness, Science, Coordination, Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making. Key tools and technologies include: Intuit QuickBooks.
Does Your Resume Cover These Skills?
Tap the skills that are currently on your resume.
Salary, employment, and skills figures sourced from official U.S. government records and occupational databases. Actual compensation and requirements vary by location, experience, and employer. Salary and employment figures from official U.S. government records. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.