Optometrists
Optometrists diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system, including examining eyes and prescribing corrective lenses.
Is optometrists a good career?
It scores 36/100 and ranks #90 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays well above the U.S. median wage ($136,570 vs $61,390)
- Faster-than-average projected growth (+8.0% through 2034)
Possible tradeoffs
- Typically requires a doctoral or professional degree
What optometrists earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. optometrists earn between $109,400 and $165,120 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live optometrists jobs
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- Typical education
- Doctoral or professional degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow much faster than average through 2034.
Education
Optometrists typically need a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree from an accredited program. Applicants to these graduate programs must have completed at least 3 years of undergraduate education. However, applicants to O.D. programs typically have a bachelor’s degree in a field such as biology or physical science. Programs that do not require a specific field of degree for admissions might require that applicants have completed courses in subjects such as chemistry, physics, and calculus.
Applicants to O.D. programs also must take an entrance exam which covers four subject areas: natural sciences, reading comprehension, physics, and quantitative reasoning.
O.D. programs take 4 years to complete. They include both academic coursework and supervised clinical experience. Coursework includes anatomy, visual science, and the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the visual system. During clinical training, students gain experience treating patients in a variety of settings, such as hospitals and private practice.
After finishing an O.D. degree, optometrists may choose to get 1 year of advanced clinical training in the area in which they wish to specialize. Areas of specialization include primary care, cornea and contact lenses, and ocular disease.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
All states require optometrists to be licensed. Prospective optometrist must have an O.D. degree from an accredited optometry school and must complete all sections of a qualifying exam. Some states require candidates to pass an additional exam, such as on clinical skills or on laws relating to optometry.
All states require optometrists to take continuing education classes and to renew their license periodically.
Optometrists may obtain an optional credential to become board certified. This certification requires passing an examination.
Important qualities
Decision-making skills. Optometrists must evaluate the results of diagnostic tests and decide on the best course of treatment for a patient.
Communication skills. Optometrists must explain diagnosis, treatment, and eye care in a way that patients can understand.
Compassion. Optometrists treat a variety of patients, including those who are frustrated by visual problems. They must be understanding of and sympathetic to their patients’ concerns.
Detail oriented. Optometrists must take care to provide appropriate treatment, including accurate prescriptions. They also must monitor and record specific information related to patient care.
Related occupations
How much do optometrists make?
The national median wage is $136,570 a year, with the middle half earning between $109,400 and $165,120 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is optometrists a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 36 of 100 and ranks #90 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +8.0% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a optometrist?
The typical entry-level education is doctoral or professional degree.
Where do optometrists earn the most?
Among states, Alaska pays the highest median ($170,310). Local pay for every state and metro is below.