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Job outlook for ophthalmologists in the United States
Ophthalmologist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected ophthalmologist job growth rate is 7% from 2018-2028.
About 55,400 new jobs for ophthalmologists are projected over the next decade.
Ophthalmologist salaries have increased 1% for ophthalmologists in the last 5 years.
There are over 7,659 ophthalmologists currently employed in the United States.
There are 22,043 active ophthalmologist job openings in the US.
The average ophthalmologist salary is $234,030.
Are ophthalmologist jobs in demand?
Ophthalmologist job and salary trends over time
Ophthalmologist jobs over time
Ophthalmologist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 7,659 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 6,706 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 7,797 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 17,766 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 16,227 | 0.00% |
Average ophthalmologist salary over time
Ophthalmologist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $234,030 | $112.51 | +2.5% |
| 2024 | $228,348 | $109.78 | +1.7% |
| 2023 | $224,495 | $107.93 | --5.0% |
| 2022 | $236,229 | $113.57 | +2.2% |
| 2021 | $231,234 | $111.17 | +4.7% |
Ophthalmologist jobs by state
Most common states for ophthalmologists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 95 | 2% |
| 2 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 43 | 2% |
| 3 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 35 | 2% |
| 4 | Vermont | 623,657 | 14 | 2% |
| 5 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 94 | 1% |
| 6 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 70 | 1% |
| 7 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 56 | 1% |
| 8 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 55 | 1% |
| 9 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 37 | 1% |
| 10 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 36 | 1% |
| 11 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 36 | 1% |
| 12 | Kentucky | 4,454,189 | 31 | 1% |
| 13 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 23 | 1% |
| 14 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 20 | 1% |
| 15 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 11 | 1% |
| 16 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 9 | 1% |
| 17 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 9 | 1% |
| 18 | Alaska | 739,795 | 7 | 1% |
| 19 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 6 | 1% |
| 20 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 5 | 1% |
Most common cities for ophthalmologists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Burlington | 1 | 4% | $198,897 |
| 2 | Gainesville | 1 | 3% | $207,142 |
| 3 | Peoria | 3 | 2% | $172,512 |
| 4 | Troy | 2 | 2% | $201,040 |
| 5 | Valdosta | 1 | 2% | $199,881 |
| 6 | West Bloomfield | 1 | 2% | $201,570 |
| 7 | Boca Raton | 1 | 1% | $174,169 |
| 8 | Boynton Beach | 1 | 1% | $174,481 |
| 9 | Metairie | 1 | 1% | $186,286 |
| 10 | New Haven | 1 | 1% | $198,260 |
| 11 | Rochester | 1 | 1% | $248,266 |
| 12 | Baltimore | 2 | 0% | $200,015 |
| 13 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $198,574 |
| 14 | Chicago | 1 | 0% | $210,589 |
| 15 | Montgomery | 1 | 0% | $201,476 |
Ophthalmologist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of ophthalmologist experts
Marshall B. Ketchum University
What general advice would you give to an Ophthalmologist?
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.
What Ophthalmologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
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.
What will help Ophthalmologists increase their earning potential?
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.