How much does a ophthalmologist make?
The median ophthalmologist in the United States earns $239,200+ per year. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all ophthalmologists earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024. SOC code 29-1241.
Ophthalmologist salary range
Pay for ophthalmologists spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $104,240 a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than $239,200+. The average (mean) wage of $301,500 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
| Percentile | Annual | |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $104,240 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | $181,490 | |
| Median (50th) | $239,200+ | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | $239,200+ | |
| 90th percentile | $239,200+ | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for ophthalmologists, except pediatric (SOC 29-1241), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
Ophthalmologist salary by state
Where you work changes the paycheck. Ophthalmologists earn the most in Arkansas at $239,200+ a year, and the least in Utah at $168,530. The table below lists every state with published data, ranked by median annual salary.
| State | Median annual | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $239,200+ | 40 |
| California | $239,200+ | 2,040 |
| Colorado | $239,200+ | 130 |
| District of Columbia | $239,200+ | 50 |
| Florida | $239,200+ | 1,310 |
| Georgia | $239,200+ | 80 |
| Illinois | $239,200+ | 560 |
| Indiana | $239,200+ | 140 |
| Maine | $239,200+ | 60 |
| Massachusetts | $239,200+ | 610 |
| Michigan | $239,200+ | 140 |
| Minnesota | $239,200+ | 180 |
| Mississippi | $239,200+ | 50 |
| Montana | $239,200+ | N/A |
| Nevada | $239,200+ | N/A |
| New Hampshire | $239,200+ | 90 |
| New Jersey | $239,200+ | 230 |
| New York | $239,200+ | 1,020 |
| North Carolina | $239,200+ | N/A |
| Ohio | $239,200+ | 290 |
| Oregon | $239,200+ | 200 |
| Rhode Island | $239,200+ | N/A |
| Tennessee | $239,200+ | 210 |
| Texas | $239,200+ | N/A |
| Washington | $239,200+ | 220 |
| Connecticut | $218,770 | N/A |
| Maryland | $218,490 | N/A |
| Wisconsin | $214,690 | 280 |
| Louisiana | $212,890 | N/A |
| Pennsylvania | $208,060 | 320 |
| Oklahoma | $208,000 | N/A |
| South Carolina | $206,450 | 130 |
| Vermont | $205,130 | 40 |
| Alabama | $181,490 | N/A |
| South Dakota | $174,160 | 30 |
| Utah | $168,530 | 60 |
State median wages for ophthalmologists, except pediatric (SOC 29-1241), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS state files, May 2024. States where the BLS does not publish a median are not shown.
Job outlook for ophthalmologists
The BLS projects employment of ophthalmologists to grow 4.5% from 2025 to 2035. That is about as fast as the 3.5% average for all occupations. That works out to roughly 9,700 jobs in 2025 moving toward 10,200 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 200 openings a year for ophthalmologists. Most come from the need to replace workers who move to other jobs or leave the workforce, on top of any new positions from growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become an ophthalmologist
The typical entry-level education for ophthalmologists is a doctoral or professional degree, according to the BLS. New hires typically complete an internship or residency to reach full competency.
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much an ophthalmologist earns
Specialty, work setting, shift differentials, certifications, and region drive the numbers. Hospitals, surgical settings, and high cost metros pay above clinics and rural facilities.
Location is one of the clearest factors. The gap between the top paying state (Arkansas, $239,200+) and the lowest (Utah, $168,530) shows how much geography alone can move the number, before experience or specialization.
About 12,110 people work as ophthalmologists in the United States. At $239,200+ a year, the job pays above the $49,500 median for all U.S. jobs.
Ophthalmologist salary FAQ
How much does an ophthalmologist make an hour?
Ophthalmologists are generally salaried rather than paid by the hour, so the BLS does not publish an hourly wage for this job. The median annual salary is $239,200+.
What is the highest ophthalmologist salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of ophthalmologists earn more than $239,200+ per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does an ophthalmologist make a year?
The median annual salary for an ophthalmologist is $239,200+. The average (mean) wage of $301,500 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
Is being an ophthalmologist a well paid job?
At $239,200+ a year, an ophthalmologist earns above the $49,500 median for all U.S. jobs. About 12,110 people work as ophthalmologists in the United States.
Which state pays ophthalmologists the most?
Arkansas has the highest median salary for ophthalmologists at $239,200+ a year. California ($239,200+) and Colorado ($239,200+) follow. State medians come from the BLS OEWS state files, May 2024.
Is being an ophthalmologist a good career?
Employment of ophthalmologists is projected to grow 4.5% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the 3.5% average for all occupations. The BLS projects about 200 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become an ophthalmologist?
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for ophthalmologists as a doctoral or professional degree, so a college degree is usually expected.
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