How much does a health practitioner make?
a year · about $55 an hour
A typical health practitioner in the United States makes $115,210 a year, about $55 an hour, about 2.3× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
Because this code covers many specialties, days differ; an orthoptist may check a patient's eyesight and eye movements, then record the results. They explain exercises or eye patches and discuss care with an eye doctor.
Did you know? Fewer than 400 certified orthoptists work in the entire U.S. They specialize in helping people with eye-movement problems.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $65,210 and $195,190How do you become one?
Pathways depend on the specialty: orthoptists usually need a bachelor’s degree, a two-year orthoptics program, and written and practical board exams. Naturopathic physicians complete an accredited four-year program and, in licensed states, pass the NPLEX.
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., this job code includes very different specialties, so pay can change with training, licenses or certification, experience, and how complex the work is. Employer type, location, and hours or shift premiums also matter.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in New York ($127,360), lowest in Michigan ($92,410).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $65,210 | $115,210 | $195,190 | about 29,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $127,360 | about 750 |
| Georgia | $126,300 | about 3,000 |
| California | $125,550 | about 2,000 |
| Massachusetts | $106,060 | about 600 |
| Texas | $105,370 | about 1,000 |
Official definition: All healthcare diagnosing or treating practitioners not listed separately.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-1299.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.orthoptics.org/site/training-details
- www.aapos.org/glossary/orthoptistorthoptics
- www.ophth.wisc.edu/blog/2025/04/07/orthoptists-provide-hope-and-clarity-in-eye-c
- www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291299.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY