Optometrists in Washington
Thinking about a career as an Optometrists in Washington? Below are the key facts. 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. Ophthalmologists are included in “Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric” (29-1241).
What do Optometrists Make in Washington?
For a optometrists working in Washington, wages run about $157,650 per year (or about $75.79/hour).Earnings range from $114,460 at the 10th percentile to $211,020 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $114,460 | $55.03 |
| 25th percentile | $130,470 | $62.73 |
| Median (50th) | $157,650 | $75.79 |
| 75th percentile | $172,430 | $82.90 |
| 90th percentile | $211,020 | $101.45 |
The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in Washington compared to the national average — is 0.97.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, optometrists earn a median of $116,847 per year ($56.18/hour), higher than the Washington median.
Employment Outlook
There are roughly 1,080,119 optometrists nationwide. In Washington alone, around 930 people work in this role. That’s more than the typical state, which employs around 480 optometrists.
Top Washington Metros for Optometrists
The metro areas below employ the most optometrists in Washington.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | 550 | $162,820 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | 70 | $134,800 |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | 40 | $151,320 |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA | 30 | $137,840 |
Top States for Optometrists Employment
The table below shows the states where the most optometrists work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| California | 6,790 |
| Texas | 3,180 |
| New York | 2,500 |
| Florida | 2,280 |
| Illinois | 1,670 |
| Pennsylvania | 1,530 |
| Ohio | 1,450 |
| North Carolina | 1,400 |
| Michigan | 1,330 |
| Massachusetts | 1,120 |
| Virginia | 1,120 |
| Colorado | 980 |
| Indiana | 960 |
| Arizona | 960 |
| New Jersey | 950 |
| Washington | 930 |
| Maryland | 870 |
| Georgia | 860 |
| Wisconsin | 750 |
| Minnesota | 700 |
Highest-Paying States for Optometrists
Where optometrists earn the most: optometrists.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $165,830 |
| New York | $163,040 |
| Maryland | $157,830 |
| Washington | $157,650 |
| New Jersey | $156,000 |
| Vermont | $156,000 |
| New Mexico | $154,630 |
| District of Columbia | $154,300 |
| North Carolina | $153,750 |
| Massachusetts | $150,820 |
Skills
Top optometrists skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Important knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
The abilities that matter most for optometrists, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Optometrists typically:
- Examine eyes, using observation, instruments, and pharmaceutical agents, to determine visual acuity and perception, focus, and coordination and to diagnose diseases and other abnormalities, such as glaucoma or color blindness.
- Analyze test results and develop a treatment plan.
- Prescribe, supply, fit and adjust eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision aids.
- Prescribe medications to treat eye diseases if state laws permit.
- Educate and counsel patients on contact lens care, visual hygiene, lighting arrangements, and safety factors.
- Remove foreign bodies from the eye.
- Provide patients undergoing eye surgeries, such as cataract and laser vision correction, with pre- and post-operative care.
- Consult with and refer patients to ophthalmologist or other health care practitioner if additional medical treatment is determined necessary.
- Prescribe therapeutic procedures to correct or conserve vision.
- Provide vision therapy and low-vision rehabilitation.
Work Activities
- Assisting and Caring for Others
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Getting Information
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
- Processing Information
- Analyzing Data or Information
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Working with Computers
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Tools & Technology
Technologies frequently used: Hot technologies: Apple Safari In-demand technologies: Apple Safari
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Programs that train for this career include:
Related Careers
Related occupations to optometrists include:
- Chiropractors
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
- Podiatrists
- Nurse Practitioners
- Audiologists
- Anesthesiologists
Also Known As
Optometrist, Optometry Doctor (OD), Therapeutic Optometrist.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 29-1041.00
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