$124,300 per year average ($128,160 for California)

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Employment of optometrists is projected to grow 10 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 1,700 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.

4 year program for an O.D. (Doctor of Optometry) + 1 optional year for specializations

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.

Contact lenses, vision therapy, sports vision, ocular disease, geriatrics, pediatrics, low vision (working with visually impaired patients), occupational vision, education, research, and more