Optometrists
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$134,830
~$65/hr · ~$11,236/mo
US Jobs
48K
Much faster than average
AI & Automation Risk
4/10
Low Risk
AI & Automation Risk
Low Risk 4/10
Optometry is a hybrid of physical clinical procedures and high-level data analysis. AI is highly effective at analyzing retinal scans and diagnostic data to identify diseases, which will significantly augment the diagnostic process; however, the core role requires physical presence for eye exams, minor surgical procedures, and the fitting of corrective lenses, which provides a strong buffer against full automation.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MNBEST VALUE | $176,930 | Below avg (90.6) | $195,306 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $162,090 | Below avg (91.6) | $176,950 |
| Albuquerque, NM | $165,050 | Below avg (93.6) | $176,285 |
| Fayetteville, NC | $161,820 | Below avg (91.9) | $176,171 |
| Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL | $164,560 | Below avg (94.2) | $174,701 |
| Dover, DE | $159,700 | Below avg (91.9) | $173,723 |
| Syracuse, NY | $163,400 | Below avg (95.7) | $170,712 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY | $160,390 | Below avg (94.9) | $168,972 |
| Reno, NV | $165,060 | Average (98.0) | $168,386 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $161,120 | Average (98.2) | $164,112 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $149,510 | Below avg (91.2) | $163,857 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | $159,190 | Average (97.3) | $163,528 |
| Wilmington, NC | $155,760 | Below avg (95.4) | $163,199 |
| Rochester, MN | $151,470 | Below avg (93.0) | $162,945 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX | $137,660 | Below avg (86.1) | $159,930 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
Doctoral or professional degree
10-Year Growth
+8% (Much faster than average)
Hourly Rate
~$65/hr
Monthly Income
~$11,236/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)