Average salary, compensation, and wages for Optometrists in the United StatesMedian annual earnings of salaried optometrists were $86,090 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $62,030 and $115,550. Median annual earnings of salaried optometrists in 2002 were $87,070 in offices of other health practitioners. Salaried optometrists tend to earn more initially than do optometrists who set up their own independent practice. In the long run, however, those in private practice usually earn more. According to the American Optometric Association, median net annual income for all optometrists, including the self-employed, was $110,000 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $82,500 and $156,500. More information on Optometrists from The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook Overview of Optometrists occupation Number of Optometrists in the U.S. Salary and earnings for Optometrists Working conditions for Optometrists Significant points for Optometrists Training requirements for Optometrists Labor Information Home | Occupational data by city | Search Rainforests | Madagascar | What's new |