Optometrists : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/optometrists.htm
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:21
Optometrists : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
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>
Healthcare
>
Optometrists
PRINTER-FRIENDLY
Summary
What They Do
Work Environment
How to Become One
Pay
Job Outlook
State & Area Data
Similar Occupations
More Info
Summary
Please enable javascript to play this video.
Video transcript available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3i9XXhA7cM.
Quick Facts: Optometrists
2024 Median Pay
$134,830 per year
$64.82 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education
Doctoral or professional degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation
None
On-the-job Training
None
Number of Jobs, 2024
47,800
Job Outlook, 2024–34
8% (Much faster than average)
Employment Change, 2024–34
3,800
What Optometrists Do
Optometrists diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system, including examining eyes and prescribing corrective lenses.
Work Environment
Most optometrists work in offices or in optical goods stores. Optometrists usually work full time, but part-time work is common. Schedules may vary to include evenings and weekends.
How to Become an Optometrist
Optometrists typically need a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree, which take 4 years of graduate-level study to complete. Every state requires optometrists to be licensed.
Pay
The median annual wage for optometrists was $134,830 in May 2024.
Job Outlook
Employment of optometrists is projected to grow 8 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 2,400 openings for optometrists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for optometrists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of optometrists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about optometrists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What Optometrists Do
About this section
Optometrists check patients for common vision problems, like astigmatism.
Optometrists diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system, including examining eyes and prescribing corrective lenses.
Duties
Optometrists typically do the following:
Perform vision tests and analyze results
Diagnose vision problems, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness, and eye diseases, such as glaucoma
Prescribe eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other visual aids
As permitted by state law, perform minor surgical procedures and prescribe medications to correct or treat visual or eye issues
Provide treatments such as vision therapy or low-vision rehabilitation
Provide pre- and postoperative care to patients undergoing eye surgery
Evaluate patients for the presence of other diseases and conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, and refer patients to other healthcare providers as needed
Promote eye and general health by counseling patients
Optometrists are doctors who focus on eyes and vision. Their tasks range from offering preventive care through routine checkups to providing referrals to other specialists for treatment of health conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, that may lead to serious eye problems.
Some optometrists provide specialized care in addition to general eye care. For example, some optometrists focus on treating patients who have partial sight, a condition known as low vision. Others may specialize in treating a certain population, such as infants and children.
Optometrists promote eye health by counseling patients on how general health can affect eyesight. For example, they may counsel patients on how quitting smoking lowers the risk of developing cataracts.
All states allow optometrists to prescribe medication, but states vary in the type of medication they allow optometrists to prescribe. States also vary in whether optometrists may perform surgery or other procedures, such as providing vaccinations.
Optometrists should not be confused with ophthalmologists or opticians. Ophthalmologists are physicians who, like optometrists, treat eye diseases, perform eye exams, and prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses. However, ophthalmologists perform a wider range of surgeries than optometrists do. For more information about ophthalmologists, see the
physicians and surgeons
profile. Opticians fit and adjust eyeglasses and, in some states, fill contact lens prescriptions that an optometrist or ophthalmologist has written. For more information, see the
opticians
profile.
Work Environment
About this section
Optometrists work in exam rooms where they use tools to determine patients' prescriptions.
Optometrists held about 47,800 jobs in 2024. The largest employers of optometrists were as follows:
Offices of optometrists
54%
Offices of physicians
16
Self-employed workers
11
Outpatient care centers
3
Optometrists typically work in office settings. This includes offices of optometry and offices of physicians. They also may work in retail settings, such as stores that sell eyeglasses.
Work Schedules
Most optometrists work full time, but part-time work is common. Schedules may vary to include evenings and weekends.
How to Become an Optometrist
About this section
Doctor of Optometry programs combine classroom learning and clinical experience.
Optometrists typically need a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree. O.D. programs take 4 years to complete, and applicants typically have bachelor’s degree before entering a program. Every state requires optometrists to be licensed.
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, and 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. Information on state licensing board requirements is available from
CareerOneStop
.
All states require optometrists to take continuing education classes and to renew their license periodically. For more information, contact the licensing board for the state in which you plan to practice.
Optometrists may obtain an optional credential to become board certified. This certification requires passing an examination. Information on certifications is available from
CareerOneStop
.
Important Qualities
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP)
skills data page
.
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.
Pay
About this section
Optometrists
Median annual wages, May 2024
Optometrists
$134,830
Healthcare diagnosing or treating practitioners
$101,370
Total, all occupations
$49,500
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
The median annual wage for optometrists was $134,830 in May 2024.
The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $70,060, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $203,210.
In May 2024, the median annual wages for optometrists in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
Outpatient care centers
$196,800
Offices of physicians
145,600
Offices of optometrists
127,980
Most optometrists work full time, but part-time work is common. Schedules may vary to include evenings and weekends.
Job Outlook
About this section
Optometrists
Percent change in employment, projected 2024–34
Healthcare diagnosing or treating practitioners
8%
Optometrists
8%
Total, all occupations
3%
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
Employment of optometrists is projected to grow 8 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 2,400 openings for optometrists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Employment
Because vision problems tend to occur more frequently later in life, an aging population will lead to demand for optometrists. As people age, they become more susceptible to developing diseases that impair vision, such as cataracts and macular degeneration, and will therefore need vision care.
The increasing prevalence of refractive errors, particularly myopia, among the general population is another key source of demand for optometrists as they will be needed to diagnose and treat these common eye problems. Moreover, the growing use of electronic devices has translated into an increasing number of individuals experiencing digital eye strain, which may lead to more demand for eye care services. Meanwhile, diabetes has been linked to increased rates of diabetic retinopathy, a condition that affects the blood vessels in the eye and may lead to loss of vision. With diabetes on the rise, optometrists will be needed to monitor, treat, and refer these patients.
Employment projections data for optometrists, 2024–34
Occupational Title
SOC Code
Employment, 2024
Projected Employment, 2034
Change, 2024–34
Employment by Industry
Percent
Numeric
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
Optometrists
29-1041
47,800
51,600
8
3,800
Get data
State & Area Data
About this section
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
The
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
(OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link below goes to OEWS data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Use the dropdown boxes to select an occupation.
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) Profiles
Projections Central
Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at
www.projectionscentral.org
. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved.
CareerOneStop
CareerOneStop includes hundreds of
occupational profiles
with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a
salary info tool
to search for wages by zip code.
Similar Occupations
About this section
This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of optometrists.
Occupation
Job Duties
ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
2024 MEDIAN PAY
Chiropractors
Chiropractors assess, treat, and care for patients by manipulating the spine and musculoskeletal system.
Doctoral or professional degree
$79,000
Dentists
Dentists diagnose and treat problems with patients’ teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth.
Doctoral or professional degree
$179,210
Opticians
Opticians fit customers for eyeglasses and contact lenses and help them select which frames and lenses to buy.
High school diploma or equivalent
$46,560
Physicians and Surgeons
Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses and address health maintenance.
Doctoral or professional degree
This wage is equal to or greater than $239,200 per year.
Podiatrists
Podiatrists provide medical and surgical care for people with foot, ankle, and lower leg problems.
Doctoral or professional degree
$152,800
Veterinarians
Veterinarians care for the health of animals and work to protect public health.
Doctoral or professional degree
$125,510
Audiologists
Audiologists diagnose, manage, and treat patients who have hearing, balance, or related problems.
Doctoral or professional degree
$92,120
Dental and Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians and Medical Appliance Technicians
Dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians make or repair dentures, eyeglasses, prosthetics, and related products.
High school diploma or equivalent
$45,820
Contacts for More Information
About this section
For information on specific admission requirements and sources of financial aid, contact the admissions officers of individual optometry schools.
For information about certifications, visit
CareerOneStop
.
For information about state licensing board requirements, visit
CareerOneStop
.
O*NET
Optometrists
Suggested citation:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,
Occupational Outlook Handbook
, Optometrists,
at
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/optometrists.htm
(visited
March 27, 2026
).
Last Modified Date:
Thursday, August 28, 2025
What They Do
The
What They Do
tab describes the typical duties and responsibilities of workers in the occupation, including what tools and equipment they use and how closely they are supervised. This tab also covers different types of occupational specialties.
Work Environment
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Work Environment
tab includes the number of jobs held in the occupation and describes the workplace, the level of physical activity expected, and typical hours worked. It may also discuss the major industries that employed the occupation. This tab may also describe opportunities for part-time work, the amount and type of travel required, any safety equipment that is used, and the risk of injury that workers may face.
How to Become One
The
How to Become One
tab describes how to prepare for a job in the occupation. This tab can include information on education, training, work experience, licensing and certification, and important qualities that are required or helpful for entering or working in the occupation.
Pay
The
Pay
tab describes typical earnings and how workers in the occupation are compensated—annual salaries, hourly wages, commissions, tips, or bonuses. Within every occupation, earnings vary by experience, responsibility, performance, tenure, and geographic area. For most profiles, this tab has a table with wages in the major industries employing the occupation. It does not include pay for self-employed workers, agriculture workers, or workers in private households because these data are not collected by the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, the source of BLS wage data in the OOH.
State & Area Data
The
State and Area Data
tab provides links to state and area occupational data from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, state projections data from Projections Central, and occupational information from the Department of Labor's CareerOneStop.
Job Outlook
The
Job Outlook
tab describes the factors that affect employment growth or decline in the occupation, and in some instances, describes the relationship between the number of job seekers and the number of job openings.
Similar Occupations
The
Similar Occupations
tab describes occupations that share similar duties, skills, interests, education, or training with the occupation covered in the profile.
Contacts for More Information
The
More Information
tab provides the Internet addresses of associations, government agencies, unions, and other organizations that can provide additional information on the occupation. This tab also includes links to relevant occupational information from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET).
2024 Median Pay
The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. In May 2024, the median annual wage for all workers was $49,500.
On-the-job Training
Additional training needed (postemployment) to attain competency in the skills needed in this occupation.
Entry-level Education
Typical level of education that most workers need to enter this occupation.
Work experience in a related occupation
Work experience that is commonly considered necessary by employers, or is a commonly accepted substitute for more formal types of training or education.
Number of Jobs, 2024
The employment, or size, of this occupation in 2024, which is the base year of the 2024–34 employment projections.
Job Outlook, 2024-34
The projected percent change in employment from 2024 to 2034. The average growth rate for all occupations is 3 percent.
Employment Change, 2024-34
The projected numeric change in employment from 2024 to 2034.
Entry-level Education
Typical level of education that most workers need to enter this occupation.
On-the-job Training
Additional training needed (postemployment) to attain competency in the skills needed in this occupation.
Employment Change, projected 2024-34
The projected numeric change in employment from 2024 to 2034.
Growth Rate (Projected)
The percent change of employment for each occupation from 2024 to 2034.
Projected Number of New Jobs
The projected numeric change in employment from 2024 to 2034.
Projected Growth Rate
The projected percent change in employment from 2024 to 2034.
2024 Median Pay
The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. In May 2024, the median annual wage for all workers was $49,500.
Publications
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Healthcare
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Occupational Outlook Handbook
>
Healthcare
>
Optometrists
PRINTER-FRIENDLY
Summary
What They Do
Work Environment
How to Become One
Pay
Job Outlook
State & Area Data
Similar Occupations
More Info
Summary
Please enable javascript to play this video.
Video transcript available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3i9XXhA7cM.
Quick Facts: Optometrists
2024 Median Pay
$134,830 per year
$64.82 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education
Doctoral or professional degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation
None
On-the-job Training
None
Number of Jobs, 2024
47,800
Job Outlook, 2024–34
8% (Much faster than average)
Employment Change, 2024–34
3,800
What Optometrists Do
Optometrists diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system, including examining eyes and prescribing corrective lenses.
Work Environment
Most optometrists work in offices or in optical goods stores. Optometrists usually work full time, but part-time work is common. Schedules may vary to include evenings and weekends.
How to Become an Optometrist
Optometrists typically need a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree, which take 4 years of graduate-level study to complete. Every state requires optometrists to be licensed.
Pay
The median annual wage for optometrists was $134,830 in May 2024.
Job Outlook
Employment of optometrists is projected to grow 8 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 2,400 openings for optometrists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for optometrists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of optometrists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about optometrists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What Optometrists Do
About this section
Optometrists check patients for common vision problems, like astigmatism.
Optometrists diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system, including examining eyes and prescribing corrective lenses.
Duties
Optometrists typically do the following:
Perform vision tests and analyze results
Diagnose vision problems, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness, and eye diseases, such as glaucoma
Prescribe eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other visual aids
As permitted by state law, perform minor surgical procedures and prescribe medications to correct or treat visual or eye issues
Provide treatments such as vision therapy or low-vision rehabilitation
Provide pre- and postoperative care to patients undergoing eye surgery
Evaluate patients for the presence of other diseases and conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, and refer patients to other healthcare providers as needed
Promote eye and general health by counseling patients
Optometrists are doctors who focus on eyes and vision. Their tasks range from offering preventive care through routine checkups to providing referrals to other specialists for treatment of health conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, that may lead to serious eye problems.
Some optometrists provide specialized care in addition to general eye care. For example, some optometrists focus on treating patients who have partial sight, a condition known as low vision. Others may specialize in treating a certain population, such as infants and children.
Optometrists promote eye health by counseling patients on how general health can affect eyesight. For example, they may counsel patients on how quitting smoking lowers the risk of developing cataracts.
All states allow optometrists to prescribe medication, but states vary in the type of medication they allow optometrists to prescribe. States also vary in whether optometrists may perform surgery or other procedures, such as providing vaccinations.
Optometrists should not be confused with ophthalmologists or opticians. Ophthalmologists are physicians who, like optometrists, treat eye diseases, perform eye exams, and prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses. However, ophthalmologists perform a wider range of surgeries than optometrists do. For more information about ophthalmologists, see the
physicians and surgeons
profile. Opticians fit and adjust eyeglasses and, in some states, fill contact lens prescriptions that an optometrist or ophthalmologist has written. For more information, see the
opticians
profile.
Work Environment
About this section
Optometrists work in exam rooms where they use tools to determine patients' prescriptions.
Optometrists held about 47,800 jobs in 2024. The largest employers of optometrists were as follows:
Offices of optometrists
54%
Offices of physicians
16
Self-employed workers
11
Outpatient care centers
3
Optometrists typically work in office settings. This includes offices of optometry and offices of physicians. They also may work in retail settings, such as stores that sell eyeglasses.
Work Schedules
Most optometrists work full time, but part-time work is common. Schedules may vary to include evenings and weekends.
How to Become an Optometrist
About this section
Doctor of Optometry programs combine classroom learning and clinical experience.
Optometrists typically need a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree. O.D. programs take 4 years to complete, and applicants typically have bachelor’s degree before entering a program. Every state requires optometrists to be licensed.
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, and 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. Information on state licensing board requirements is available from
CareerOneStop
.
All states require optometrists to take continuing education classes and to renew their license periodically. For more information, contact the licensing board for the state in which you plan to practice.
Optometrists may obtain an optional credential to become board certified. This certification requires passing an examination. Information on certifications is available from
CareerOneStop
.
Important Qualities
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP)
skills data page
.
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.
Pay
About this section
Optometrists
Median annual wages, May 2024
Optometrists
$134,830
Healthcare diagnosing or treating practitioners
$101,370
Total, all occupations
$49,500
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
The median annual wage for optometrists was $134,830 in May 2024.
The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $70,060, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $203,210.
In May 2024, the median annual wages for optometrists in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
Outpatient care centers
$196,800
Offices of physicians
145,600
Offices of optometrists
127,980
Most optometrists work full time, but part-time work is common. Schedules may vary to include evenings and weekends.
Job Outlook
About this section
Optometrists
Percent change in employment, projected 2024–34
Healthcare diagnosing or treating practitioners
8%
Optometrists
8%
Total, all occupations
3%
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
Employment of optometrists is projected to grow 8 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 2,400 openings for optometrists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Employment
Because vision problems tend to occur more frequently later in life, an aging population will lead to demand for optometrists. As people age, they become more susceptible to developing diseases that impair vision, such as cataracts and macular degeneration, and will therefore need vision care.
The increasing prevalence of refractive errors, particularly myopia, among the general population is another key source of demand for optometrists as they will be needed to diagnose and treat these common eye problems. Moreover, the growing use of electronic devices has translated into an increasing number of individuals experiencing digital eye strain, which may lead to more demand for eye care services. Meanwhile, diabetes has been linked to increased rates of diabetic retinopathy, a condition that affects the blood vessels in the eye and may lead to loss of vision. With diabetes on the rise, optometrists will be needed to monitor, treat, and refer these patients.
Employment projections data for optometrists, 2024–34
Occupational Title
SOC Code
Employment, 2024
Projected Employment, 2034
Change, 2024–34
Employment by Industry
Percent
Numeric
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
Optometrists
29-1041
47,800
51,600
8
3,800
Get data
State & Area Data
About this section
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
The
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
(OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link below goes to OEWS data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Use the dropdown boxes to select an occupation.
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) Profiles
Projections Central
Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at
www.projectionscentral.org
. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved.
CareerOneStop
CareerOneStop includes hundreds of
occupational profiles
with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a
salary info tool
to search for wages by zip code.
Similar Occupations
About this section
This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of optometrists.
Occupation
Job Duties
ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
2024 MEDIAN PAY
Chiropractors
Chiropractors assess, treat, and care for patients by manipulating the spine and musculoskeletal system.
Doctoral or professional degree
$79,000
Dentists
Dentists diagnose and treat problems with patients’ teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth.
Doctoral or professional degree
$179,210
Opticians
Opticians fit customers for eyeglasses and contact lenses and help them select which frames and lenses to buy.
High school diploma or equivalent
$46,560
Physicians and Surgeons
Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses and address health maintenance.
Doctoral or professional degree
This wage is equal to or greater than $239,200 per year.
Podiatrists
Podiatrists provide medical and surgical care for people with foot, ankle, and lower leg problems.
Doctoral or professional degree
$152,800
Veterinarians
Veterinarians care for the health of animals and work to protect public health.
Doctoral or professional degree
$125,510
Audiologists
Audiologists diagnose, manage, and treat patients who have hearing, balance, or related problems.
Doctoral or professional degree
$92,120
Dental and Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians and Medical Appliance Technicians
Dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians make or repair dentures, eyeglasses, prosthetics, and related products.
High school diploma or equivalent
$45,820
Contacts for More Information
About this section
For information on specific admission requirements and sources of financial aid, contact the admissions officers of individual optometry schools.
For information about certifications, visit
CareerOneStop
.
For information about state licensing board requirements, visit
CareerOneStop
.
O*NET
Optometrists
Suggested citation:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,
Occupational Outlook Handbook
, Optometrists,
at
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/optometrists.htm
(visited
March 27, 2026
).
Last Modified Date:
Thursday, August 28, 2025
What They Do
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Work Environment
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How to Become One
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Pay
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State & Area Data
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State and Area Data
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Job Outlook
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Similar Occupations
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Contacts for More Information
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2024 Median Pay
The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. In May 2024, the median annual wage for all workers was $49,500.
On-the-job Training
Additional training needed (postemployment) to attain competency in the skills needed in this occupation.
Entry-level Education
Typical level of education that most workers need to enter this occupation.
Work experience in a related occupation
Work experience that is commonly considered necessary by employers, or is a commonly accepted substitute for more formal types of training or education.
Number of Jobs, 2024
The employment, or size, of this occupation in 2024, which is the base year of the 2024–34 employment projections.
Job Outlook, 2024-34
The projected percent change in employment from 2024 to 2034. The average growth rate for all occupations is 3 percent.
Employment Change, 2024-34
The projected numeric change in employment from 2024 to 2034.
Entry-level Education
Typical level of education that most workers need to enter this occupation.
On-the-job Training
Additional training needed (postemployment) to attain competency in the skills needed in this occupation.
Employment Change, projected 2024-34
The projected numeric change in employment from 2024 to 2034.
Growth Rate (Projected)
The percent change of employment for each occupation from 2024 to 2034.
Projected Number of New Jobs
The projected numeric change in employment from 2024 to 2034.
Projected Growth Rate
The projected percent change in employment from 2024 to 2034.
2024 Median Pay
The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. In May 2024, the median annual wage for all workers was $49,500.
Publications
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Healthcare