Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Working effectively with people by building relationships, understanding others, and responding appropriately.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Optometrists typically need a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree, which take 4 years of graduate-level study to complete. Every state requires optometrists to be licensed. PayThe median annual wage for optometrists was $136,570 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of optometrists is projected to grow 10 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 2,000 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. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for optometrists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of optometrists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about optometrists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for optometrists was $136,570 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of optometrists is projected to grow 10 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 2,000 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. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for optometrists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of optometrists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about optometrists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of optometrists is projected to grow 10 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 2,000 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. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for optometrists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of optometrists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about optometrists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Optometrists diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system, including examining eyes and prescribing corrective lenses.
Work Environment
Most optometrists work in offices or in optical goods stores. Optometrists usually work full time, but part-time work is common. Schedules may vary to include evenings and weekends.
How to Become an Optometrist
Optometrists typically need a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree, which take 4 years of graduate-level study to complete. Every state requires optometrists to be licensed.
Pay
The median annual wage for optometrists was $136,570 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of optometrists is projected to grow 10 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 2,000 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.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for optometrists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of optometrists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about optometrists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Most optometrists work in offices or in optical goods stores. Optometrists usually work full time, but part-time work is common. Schedules may vary to include evenings and weekends.
How to Become an Optometrist
Optometrists typically need a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree, which take 4 years of graduate-level study to complete. Every state requires optometrists to be licensed.
Pay
The median annual wage for optometrists was $136,570 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of optometrists is projected to grow 10 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 2,000 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.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for optometrists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of optometrists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about optometrists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for optometrists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of optometrists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about optometrists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about optometrists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.