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.
Optometrists
SOC: 29-1041 O*NET: 29-1041.00
Median Salary
$134,830
per year
Job Growth
🚀 8%
Much Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
2.4
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Job Zone 5
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.
What does a Optometrists do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$70,060
10th percentile
Early Career
$103,310
25th percentile
Median
$134,830
50th percentile
Experienced
$163,710
75th percentile
Top Earners
$203,210
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$70,060
25th
$103,310
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$134,830
Mean: $140,940
75th
$163,710
90th
$203,210
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $133,150 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $103,310 and $163,710
- •Salary spread is 44.8% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 41,890 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
High Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:47,800
Top Industries
Ambulatory Health Care Services82.9%
Offices of Other Health Practitioners61.6%
Offices of Optometrists61.4%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+8%
Annual Openings:2,400
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)47,800
Current
2034 (Projected)51,600
+8%
+3,800
Employment Change
+8%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Faster than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Optometrists professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
6,790 jobs$137,0701.38x
Texas
3,180 jobs$128,3600.84x
New York
2,500 jobs$163,0400.96x
Florida
2,280 jobs$129,5000.86x
Illinois
1,670 jobs$136,2001.02x
Pennsylvania
1,530 jobs$128,2600.93x
Ohio
1,450 jobs$130,0000.96x
North Carolina
1,400 jobs$153,7501.05x
Michigan
1,330 jobs$131,7001.11x
Virginia
1,120 jobs$01.02x
Massachusetts
1,120 jobs$150,8201.13x
Colorado
980 jobs$137,3701.25x
Arizona
960 jobs$134,4301.10x
Indiana
960 jobs$127,0801.10x
New Jersey
950 jobs$156,0000.82x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Faster than average growth expected
- •High current market demand
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Active Listening
100%
#2
Reading Comprehension
94%
#3
Critical Thinking
86%
#4
Speaking
80%
#5
Writing
74%
#6
Social Perceptiveness
66%
#7
Science
60%
#8
Coordination
54%
#9
Judgment and Decision Making
46%
#10
Complex Problem Solving
40%
Skills Overview
Active Listening
advanced5.0
100%
Reading Comprehension
advanced4.7
94%
Critical Thinking
intermediate4.3
86%
Speaking
intermediate4.0
80%
Writing
intermediate3.7
74%
Social Perceptiveness
intermediate3.3
66%
Science
intermediate3.0
60%
Coordination
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Active Listening
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Social Perceptiveness
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Science
intermediateImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Coordination
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
basicImportance46%
abilities
2.3/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance40%
abilities
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Advertising and Promotions Managers82%
5 shared skills
Chiropractors82%
5 shared skills
Police Identification and Records Officers82%
5 shared skills
Security Managers82%
5 shared skills
Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts82%
5 shared skills
Fundraising Managers82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
Learn on the Job:
- →Social Perceptiveness
- →Coordination
- →Science
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Reading Comprehension
- ✓Critical Thinking
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Speaking
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Writing
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Optometrists
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Intuit QuickBooks
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft SQL Server
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Intuit QuickBooks
Microsoft Access
Microsoft SQL Server
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
HIGH
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet high physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
10
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (9)Planning & Development (1)
1
Examine eyes, using observation, instruments, and pharmaceutical agents, to determine visual acuity and perception, focus, and coordination and to diagnose diseases and other abnormalities, such as glaucoma or color blindness.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Analyze test results and develop a treatment plan.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development97% perform98%
3
Prescribe, supply, fit and adjust eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision aids.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Prescribe medications to treat eye diseases if state laws permit.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Educate and counsel patients on contact lens care, visual hygiene, lighting arrangements, and safety factors.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Consult with and refer patients to ophthalmologist or other health care practitioner if additional medical treatment is determined necessary.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Remove foreign bodies from the eye.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Provide patients undergoing eye surgeries, such as cataract and laser vision correction, with pre- and post-operative care.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Prescribe therapeutic procedures to correct or conserve vision.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Provide vision therapy and low-vision rehabilitation.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •70% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Optometrists
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Optometrists professionals typically have a ISR Holland code and highly value working conditions
IInvestigative
SSocial
RRealistic
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Optometrists
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.95
Concern for Others
CriticalConcern for Others
Importance Level4.86
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.76
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.62
Analytical Thinking
CriticalAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.52
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.19
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
5.0
Concern for Others
4.9
Dependability
4.8
Integrity
4.6
Analytical Thinking
4.5
Cooperation
4.2
Stress Tolerance
4.1
Self-Control
4.0
Social Orientation
4.0
Independence
4.0
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 5
Extensive Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Training:
Extensive training and work experience required
💼 Experience Requirement
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Master's or doctoral degree
- • Extensive work experience in the field
- • State licensure or professional certification
5
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Master's or doctoral degreeExtensive work experience in the fieldState licensure or professional certification
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