Optometrist Salary.
Across 30 U.S. cities.
$128,000
national median salary
$108,000 to $158,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$178,000
San Francisco, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$133,000
Seattle, WA
Lowest Paying
$111,000
St. Louis, MO
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average Optometrist salary in the United States is $128,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $108,000 at the 25th percentile to $158,000 at the 75th. San Francisco pays the most at $178,000, while Seattle offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Practice ownership versus employment is the largest income differentiator for optometrists.
Optometrist salary by city
What you should know
Practice ownership versus employment is the largest income differentiator for optometrists. States with expanded scope allowing therapeutic procedures and medical management increase earning potential. Optometrists specializing in ocular disease management, specialty contact lenses, or pediatric vision earn above those in routine refraction-only settings.
New associate optometrists start at $105,000 to $120,000 on base plus production models. Experienced ODs with strong patient loyalty earn $130,000 to $155,000 after five to seven years. Practice owners or partners in multi-doctor practices can reach $170,000 to $250,000 depending on revenue and overhead management.
Employed optometrists typically receive production bonuses of 15 to 25% above a base salary guarantee. Benefits include vision and health insurance, CE allowances, malpractice coverage, and optical frame discounts. Practice owners retain higher gross income but manage significant overhead.