How to Become an Optometrist
Examine eyes, diagnose vision problems and eye disease, prescribe corrective lenses, and manage ongoing eye health. It typically requires a doctoral degree (od), with a median salary of $136,570 per year and much faster than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$136,570/yr
Job growth
7%
Openings / yr
2,400
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Clinical Diagnosis
- Patient Care
- Critical Thinking
- Attention to Detail
- Communication
Helpful certifications
- OD + NBEO boards (state optometry licensure)
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
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Work-life balance
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Stress level
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Satisfaction
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Frequently asked questions
How much does an Optometrist make?
The median pay for an Optometrist is $136,570 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become an Optometrist?
The usual entry point is a doctoral degree (od). Common majors are Biology, Chemistry, Pre-Med / Pre-Health, and Neuroscience.
Is Optometrist a growing field?
The BLS projects much faster than average demand for this role, about 7% over the decade, with roughly 2,400 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does an Optometrist use most?
Common skills for this role are Clinical Diagnosis, Patient Care, Critical Thinking, Attention to Detail, and Communication.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.