The conversation around salary in optometry is more than just a number—it’s a reflection of value, negotiation, and growth within the profession. In this episode of “Lunch Date with Rachel and Kate,” the hosts dive into a data-driven discussion on optometry salaries, highlighting key findings from three major sources: Eyes on Eyecare, Review of Optometry, and ODs on Finance. This article unpacks their discussion, offering eye care professionals a comprehensive view of current salary trends, regional variations, wage gaps, and practical takeaways.

According to Eyes on Eyecare, the average starting salary for 2024 optometry graduates is $97,112. This figure, while informative, includes a broad range of values, potentially skewed by residents earning as low as $30,000. The survey gathered data from 375 optometrists, with respondents ranging from graduates in 1972 through 2023.

The report also noted a current average salary of $151,970 across all respondents. However, the data did not differentiate between practice owners and employed optometrists or account for full-time versus part-time work schedules.

Review of Optometry presents a more nuanced picture but also has limitations. With 422 respondents, this report includes both part-time and full-time optometrists. It cites an employed average salary of $156,819, closely aligning with Eyes on Eyecare.

For optometrists in their first 10 years of practice, the reported average is a significantly higher $176,857. The report also highlights an income disparity by gender, though it does not delve into causative factors such as part-time work or career breaks.

Satisfaction levels were surprisingly high, with many optometrists expressing contentment with their income despite the wage disparities.

With 2,203 respondents, the ODs on Finance survey offers the most comprehensive and methodologically robust data. It normalizes salary based on average workdays (4.22/week), revealing a more realistic average salary of $136,619.

The average for optometrists within their first five years of practice stands at $152,097, aligning with the other studies. ODs on Finance also includes median income ($155,000) and a breakdown of salaries by region and optometry school.

One of the standout contributions from ODs on Finance is their analysis of the wage gap. They discovered a 13.5% salary difference between male and female optometrists, even after accounting for factors like practice ownership and part-time work.

Multiple variables affect an optometrist’s salary:

This insight underscores the need for transparency in starting offers and the role of negotiation in closing wage disparities.

Eye care professionals can use these insights to take control of their earnings:

The optometry salary landscape is complex but not impenetrable. With the right data, mindset, and strategy, every professional can make informed decisions and advocate for equitable compensation.

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