How much does an eye doctor make?
a year · about $66 an hour
A typical eye doctor in the United States makes $136,570 a year, about $66 an hour, about 2.7× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They test patients' sight with charts and instruments, look for problems such as glaucoma, and choose glasses or contact-lens prescriptions. They explain results, give eye-health advice, and refer serious cases to specialists.
Did you know? A comprehensive eye exam can reveal early clues to illnesses beyond the eyes, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and even cancer.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $74,870 and $202,180How do you become one?
In the U.S., students study science in college, take the OAT, then complete a four-year Doctor of Optometry program with clinical training. They pass the NBEO and any required state exams to get licensed; many start in their mid-20s or later.
School needed: Graduate degree or long training
Good for people who like figuring things out and helping and teaching
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., experience and extra credentials can affect pay; a state license is required, while board certification is optional. Pay also differs by employer, location, and hours worked; specialty training may lead to different work, but does not guarantee higher pay.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Maryland ($165,840), lowest in Oklahoma ($97,350).
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| $74,870 | $136,570 | $202,180 | about 43,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $165,840 | about 780 |
| North Carolina | $161,560 | about 1,000 |
| New York | $161,140 | about 2,000 |
| New Jersey | $159,040 | about 1,000 |
| Minnesota | $158,700 | about 710 |
Official definition: Diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system. Examine eyes and visual system, diagnose problems or impairments, prescribe corrective lenses, and provide treatment. May prescribe therapeutic drugs to treat specific eye conditions. Ophthalmologists are included in “Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric” (29-1241).
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.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/optometrists.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/print/wage-differences.htm
- www.aoa.org/education/studying-optometry
- www.aoa.org/AOA/Documents/Advocacy/state/AOA_OD%20Education_Fact%20Sheet_general
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY