Optometrists
Diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system. Examine eyes and visual system, diagnose problems or impairments, prescribe corrective lenses, and provide treatment. May prescribe therapeutic drugs to treat specific eye conditions.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Optometrists to increase by 9.5% between 2024 and 2034, from 45,100 to 49,400 jobs. Its estimate of 2,000 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($136,570), education (Doctoral or professional degree), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
45,100
Projected employment (2034)
49,400
Projected change (2024–2034)
10%
Annual openings (projected average)
2,000
Pay & Preparation
$136,570
Doctoral or professional degree
None
None
Essential Skills
Active Listening (4.12/5) • Reading Comprehension (4.12/5) • Critical Thinking (4.12/5) • Writing (4/5) • Speaking (4/5) • Social Perceptiveness (3.88/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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