How much does an Ophthalmologist make?

As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for an Ophthalmologist in the United States is $324,900. According to Salary.com, salaries can range from a low of $263,001 to a high of $366,357, with most professionals earning between $292,500 and $346,600.

Ophthalmologist Salaries by Percentile
Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $346,600 $28,883 $6,665 $167
Average $324,900 $27,075 $6,248 $156
25th Percentile $292,500 $24,375 $5,625 $141

Average Salary

25% $292,500 10% $263,001 90% $366,357 75% $346,600 $324,900 50%(Median)
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How much does an Ophthalmologist make by hour, week, month, and year?

Salary.com provides you with accurate and diversified Ophthalmologist salary data based on specialized databases to help you get a fairer salary. The average annual pay for an Ophthalmologist is about $324,900 a year, this translates to an approximate hourly rate of $156, a monthly salary of about $27,075, and a weekly pay of around $6,248 . Click the switch button below to see more details about Ophthalmologist hourly pay, weekly pay, monthly pay, and so on.

Last Updated on April 01, 2025

How Does Experience Level Affect an Ophthalmologist's Salary?

An entry-level Ophthalmologist with less than 1 year of experience earns about $311,843. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $314,261. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $316,679. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $320,064, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $326,519.

Levels Salary
Entry Level Ophthalmologist $311,843
Intermediate Level Ophthalmologist $314,261
Senior Level Ophthalmologist $316,679
Specialist Level Ophthalmologist $320,064
Expert Level Ophthalmologist $326,519
$311,843 0 yr
$314,261 < 2 yrs
$316,679 2-4 yrs
$320,064 5-8 yrs
$326,519 > 8 yrs
Last Updated on April 01, 2025
Entry Level 4%
Mid Level 3%
Senior Level 3%
Top Level 1%
Experienced 0%
View as graph
Last Updated on April 01, 2025

How much does salary of Ophthalmologist vary from city to city?

Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.

For example, as of April 01, 2025:
  • In San Francisco, CA, the average yearly salary for an Ophthalmologist is $405,700.
  • In New York, NY, the average annual salary is $376,500.
  • In Boston, MA, an Ophthalmologist earns $362,300 per year.

What is the salary trend of Ophthalmologist?

As of April 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Ophthalmologist compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $231,993 in 2023 to approximately $237,504 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Ophthalmologist salary trends, click here.)

Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.

Average Annual Salary of Ophthalmologist Over Time

2020
$???
2021
$???
2022
$???
$231,993
2023
$237,504
2024
$226,789
2025
2026
$???
Last Updated on April 01, 2025
2020
$???
2021
$???
2022
$???
2023
$231,993
2024
$237,504
2025
$226,789
2026
$???
Last Updated on April 01, 2025

Ophthalmologist Salary by Year

Year Average Annual Salary
2020 View More
2021 View More
2022 View More
2023 $231,993
2024 $237,504
2025 $226,789
2026 View More
Last Updated on April 01, 2025

Job Openings of Ophthalmologist

Salary.com job board provides millions of Ophthalmologist information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Ophthalmologist job openings or enter a new job title here.

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
Base Salary 76.8%
Bonuses 0.0%
Social Security 3.6%
401k/403b 2.4%
Disability 1.5%
Healthcare 1.5%
Pension 3.3%
Time Off 10.9%
Core Compensation
Core Compensation Median % of Total
Base Salary $324,900 76.8%
Bonus $0 0.0%
Value of Benefits
Core Compensation Median % of Total
Social Security $15,164 3.6%
401K/403B $10,000 2.4%
Disability $6,498 1.5%
Healthcare $6,374 1.5%
Pension $13,750 3.3%
Time Off $46,236 10.9%
Total Compensation $422,922 100%
Core Compensation is based on averages for this job and does not reflect personal factors used to determine your projected salary range.
Value of Benefits indicates the employer's expected contribution and paid time off.
Last Updated on April 01, 2025

What are the salaries of an Ophthalmologist with different levels of education?

Salaries for Ophthalmologist with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate

According to our 100% employer reported salary sources the median salary for an Ophthalmologist with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is $317,946 - $345,264. Please try our salary wizard to explore how other factors like location, Years of experience and number of direct reports can impact your base pay and bonus.

Ophthalmologist Salaries by Degree Level

Last Updated on April 01, 2025
Typical Education for Ophthalmologist
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
High School 2.7%
Doctorate 97.3%
Typical Education for Ophthalmologist
High School 2.7%
Doctorate 97.3%
view as table

Ophthalmologist Salaries by Degree Level

Last Updated on April 01, 2025

What Am I Worth?

FAQ about Ophthalmologist

1. What is the highest paid ophthalmologist?

The highest paid ophthalmologist can earn a maximum salary of $381,300. The salary range for ophthalmologists typically starts at a minimum of $280,200, with a mid-level salary around $333,300. This reflects the varying levels of experience and specialization within the field.

2. Which type of eye doctor makes the most money?

Retina specialists, who have completed a fellowship, are among the highest-paid eye doctors. Their expertise in diagnosing and treating retinal diseases, along with performing surgical procedures, contributes to their earnings. The salary range for ophthalmologists typically falls between $280,200 and $381,300, with a mid-salary of $333,300.

3. Is ophthalmology in high demand?

Ophthalmology is indeed in high demand. From 2020 to 2035, the supply of ophthalmologists is expected to decline by 12%, while demand will increase by 24%, leading to a significant workforce inadequacy of 30%. With salaries ranging from $280,200 to $381,300, this field offers competitive compensation, highlighting its importance and appeal.

4. How much do ophthalmologists make in the USA?

Ophthalmologists in the USA typically earn between $280,200 and $381,300 annually, with a mid-salary of $333,300. While some reports suggest average earnings around $509,000, it's important to note that salaries can vary significantly, with the highest reported figures reaching up to $1,500,000 and the lowest around $200,000.

5. How much does a lasik doctor make?

A LASIK doctor, or ophthalmologist, typically earns between $280,200 and $381,300 annually, with a median salary of around $333,300. Salaries can vary significantly based on location, with some cities offering higher compensation. For instance, top-paying cities like Santa Clara and Sunnyvale report salaries exceeding $398,000.

6. Which doctors make the most?

Ophthalmologists are among the highest-paid doctors, with a minimum salary of $280,200, a mid-range salary of $333,300, and a maximum salary reaching $381,300. Their specialized skills in eye care and surgery contribute to their significant earning potential in the medical field.

About Our Data

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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The average salary for an Ophthalmologist is $324,900 per year in the United States, updated at April 01, 2025.
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