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Eye specialist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected eye specialist job growth rate is 10% from 2018-2028.
About 4,000 new jobs for eye specialists are projected over the next decade.
Eye specialist salaries have increased 11% for eye specialists in the last 5 years.
There are over 4,435 eye specialists currently employed in the United States.
There are 5,904 active eye specialist job openings in the US.
The average eye specialist salary is $71,371.
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 4,435 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 4,203 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 4,516 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 4,264 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 4,266 | 0.00% |
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $71,371 | $34.31 | +2.4% |
| 2024 | $69,678 | $33.50 | +3.1% |
| 2023 | $67,586 | $32.49 | +1.4% |
| 2022 | $66,685 | $32.06 | +3.9% |
| 2021 | $64,170 | $30.85 | +2.2% |
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 88 | 2% |
| 2 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 54 | 2% |
| 3 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 43 | 2% |
| 4 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 33 | 2% |
| 5 | Vermont | 623,657 | 11 | 2% |
| 6 | New York | 19,849,399 | 148 | 1% |
| 7 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 96 | 1% |
| 8 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 80 | 1% |
| 9 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 76 | 1% |
| 10 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 76 | 1% |
| 11 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 65 | 1% |
| 12 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 58 | 1% |
| 13 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 57 | 1% |
| 14 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 51 | 1% |
| 15 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 36 | 1% |
| 16 | Kentucky | 4,454,189 | 31 | 1% |
| 17 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 18 | 1% |
| 18 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 15 | 1% |
| 19 | Delaware | 961,939 | 5 | 1% |
| 20 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 4 | 1% |
Marshall B. Ketchum University
Mark Nakano OD: Being a lifelong learner is always an important attribute so that you stay current with the evolution of the profession. A special skill set would include being able to utilize technology in clinical care. More equipment that incorporates technology is prevalent and will improve the outcomes for patients. I believe that connecting with your patient and establishing a trusting relationship will remain the most important piece.
Mark Nakano OD: Increasing your earning potential will come with your efficiency and your clinical skill set. The more areas that you can add to a practice the better you should do financially. For example, adding glaucoma care, eye disease, myopia management, specialty contact lenses, or dry eye services to a practice that does not offer those services will be tremendous. The idea is to become an asset not a liability.
Mark Nakano OD: Optometrists are in need and there has not been a time where the demand has been this high. I always tell my students to pick where you want to live first and then look for a job. Regardless of what type of practice you start with, you will learn something from the experience. It is not where you practice, it is how you practice.