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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Optometrists

Median Salary
131,860
Job Outlook
+15%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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 sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

54%

Self-employed

35%

Private not for profit

6%

Federal Government

2%

State and local government

2%

Did you know this role exists in the Military?

What is the job outlook?

Employment of optometrists is projected to grow 9 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 2,200 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.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$48,510

10%

$131,860

Median

$163,510

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Doctoral degree

    95%

  • First professional degree

    4%

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    High

  • Leadership

    High

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Medicine and Dentistry
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Biology
  • Therapy and Counseling
  • Education and Training

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Repetitiveness

    High

  • Responsibility

    High

  • Decision Making

    High

  • Level Of Competition

    High

  • Time Pressure

    Mid

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Low

  • Physical Activity

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

Social

You love connecting with people, helping others and making a difference in your community.

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.