Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric earn a median of $300,080 per year ($144.27/hr) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Employment is projected to grow 4.5% through 2035, with about 200 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: Doctoral or professional degree.
- SOC 29-1241
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Ophthalmologist, Except Pediatric in four numbers
- Median pay
- $300,080a year, or $144.27/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $100KTop 10% $490K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- +4.5%Faster than averageBLS EP, 2025–2035This career+4.5%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career +4.5% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 2009,700 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 20259.7K
- Projected 203510.2K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 9.7K Projected 2035 10.2K - Typical education
- Doctorateneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- Certificate9.9%
- Post-bacc certificate14%
- Professional degree14%
- Doctorate20%
- Post-doctoral training42.1%
Highest education held by ophthalmologists, except pediatric Segment Value Certificate 9.9% Post-bacc certificate 14% Professional degree 14% Doctorate 20% Post-doctoral training 42.1%
Also advertised as: Clinical Ophthalmologist, Cornea Specialist, Glaucoma Specialist, Oculoplastic Specialist, Ophthalmic Surgeon, Ophthalmologist.
Pay
How much do Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric make?
Every ophthalmologist, except pediatric in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$300,080
Middle half earn $173,650 to $421,530
- 10th
- $100,180
- 25th
- $173,650
- 75th
- $421,530
- 90th
- $489,710
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $100,180 |
| 25th | $173,650 |
| Median | $300,080 |
| 75th | $421,530 |
| 90th | $489,710 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $300,080
- Median hourly wage
- $144.27/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $304,650
- People employed
- 8,950
Versus all US occupations
At $300,080, Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric earn 489% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $249,100 a year.
Versus healthcare practitioners and technical occupations
Inside the Healthcare Practitioners and Technical group, where the middle occupation pays $102,760, this is 192% above the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $489,710 or more while the bottom 10% earn $100,180, a gap of 4.9×. That is an unusually wide spread, which usually tracks specialisation, employer type and years of experience.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 98% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Cost of living
Rhode Island posts the highest raw median ($450,370), but once local prices are taken into account Iowa leads at $449,967 in national-average dollars.
Pay by state
Which states pay Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Rhode Island | $450,370 | $440,330 | 180 |
| 2New Hampshire | $404,330 | $388,163 | 50 |
| 3California | $400,150 | $361,407 | 820 |
| 4Florida | $399,440 | $386,253 | 580 |
| 5Iowa | $394,900 | $449,967 | 90 |
| 6Georgia | $382,920 | $397,661 | 120 |
| 7Minnesota | $372,200 | $377,404 | 180 |
| 8New York | $360,050 | $333,624 | 960 |
| 9Nevada | $345,600 | $345,673 | N/A |
| 10Maine | $337,850 | $348,120 | 90 |
Job outlook
Is Ophthalmologist, Except Pediatric a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Faster than average. +4.5% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric | +4.5% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Faster than average
BLS projects employment of Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric to change 4.5% over 2025–2035, against 3.5% projected for all occupations. That is 400 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 200 openings are projected each year, 2.1% of the 9,700 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Overall employment of physicians and surgeons is projected to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Projected employment of physicians and surgeons varies by occupation (see table). An increasing number of older adults, who are more likely than younger people to experience health problems and to need complex care, is expected to drive overall employment growth for physicians and surgeons.
In addition, increasing rates of chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease, will result in continued reliance on physicians and surgeons by large numbers of people seeking medical care.
Getting in
How to become an Ophthalmologist, Except Pediatric
Physicians and surgeons typically need a bachelor’s degree as well as a degree from a medical school, which takes an additional 4 years to complete. Depending on their specialty, they also need 3 to 9 years in internship and residency programs. Subspecialization includes additional training in a fellowship of 1 to 3 years.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
Doctoral or professional degree
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
Internship/residency
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Considerable preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as ophthalmologists, except pediatric.
- Post-Doctoral Training42.1%
- Doctoral Degree20%
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate14%
- First Professional Degree14%
- Post-Secondary Certificate9.9%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Post-Doctoral Training | 42.1% |
| Doctoral Degree | 20% |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | 14% |
| First Professional Degree | 14% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 9.9% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does an Ophthalmologist, Except Pediatric do?
Diagnose and perform surgery to treat and help prevent disorders and diseases of the eye. May also provide vision services for treatment including glasses and contacts.
Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses and address health maintenance. Physicians examine patients; take medical histories; prescribe medications; and order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests. They often counsel patients on diet, hygiene, and preventive healthcare. Surgeons operate on patients to treat injuries, such as broken bones; diseases, such as cancerous tumors; and deformities, such as cleft palates.
There are two types of physicians, with similar degrees: M.D. (Medical Doctor) and D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine). Both use the same methods of treatment, including drugs and surgery, but D.O.s place additional emphasis on the body's musculoskeletal system, preventive medicine, and holistic (whole-person) patient care. D.O.s are most likely to be primary care physicians, although they work in all specialties.
Day-to-day tasks
- Perform comprehensive examinations of the visual system to determine the nature or extent of ocular disorders.
- Diagnose or treat injuries, disorders, or diseases of the eye and eye structures including the cornea, sclera, conjunctiva, or eyelids.
- Provide or direct the provision of postoperative care.
- Prescribe or administer topical or systemic medications to treat ophthalmic conditions and to manage pain.
- Educate patients about maintenance and promotion of healthy vision.
- Document or evaluate patients' medical histories.
- Perform, order, or interpret the results of diagnostic or clinical tests.
- Refer patients for more specialized treatments when conditions exceed the experience, expertise, or scope of practice of practitioner.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most physicians and surgeons work full time. Some work more than 40 hours per week. Many physicians and surgeons work long shifts, which may include irregular and overnight hours or being on call. Physicians and surgeons may travel between their offices and the hospital to care for patients. While on call, a physician may need to address a patient’s concerns over the phone or make an emergency visit to another location, such as a nursing home.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayIndoors, in a climate-controlled space, every day.
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeSeated for more than half the working day.
Standing
NeverAlmost all the timeBending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantConstant contact with other people.
Dealing with the public
Not importantExtremely importantDealing with customers or the public is very important.
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayMeeting strict deadlines at least weekly.
Conflict situations
NeverEvery dayHandling conflict situations at least monthly.
Cost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely seriousMistakes carry very serious consequences.
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lotA lot of freedom to make decisions without checking first.
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Reading Comprehension4.3
- Critical Thinking4.3
- Active Listening4.1
- Writing4.0
- Speaking4.0
- Active Learning4.0
- Monitoring4.0
- Science3.9
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 4.3 |
| Critical Thinking | 4.3 |
| Active Listening | 4.1 |
| Writing | 4.0 |
| Speaking | 4.0 |
| Active Learning | 4.0 |
| Monitoring | 4.0 |
| Science | 3.9 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Social Perceptiveness4.0
- Complex Problem Solving4.0
- Judgment and Decision Making4.0
- Service Orientation3.9
- Time Management3.9
- Coordination3.8
- Instructing3.8
- Persuasion3.6
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Social Perceptiveness | 4.0 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 4.0 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 4.0 |
| Service Orientation | 3.9 |
| Time Management | 3.9 |
| Coordination | 3.8 |
| Instructing | 3.8 |
| Persuasion | 3.6 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Medical software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
- Analytical or scientific software
- Electronic mail software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits an Ophthalmologist, Except Pediatric?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Ophthalmologist, Except Pediatric |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 4 |
| Investigative | 6 |
| Artistic | 2 |
| Social | 5 |
| Enterprising | 3 |
| Conventional | 4 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data, combined with teaching, helping and working directly with other people.
- Investigative6.2
- Social5.5
- Realistic4.4
- Conventional3.7
- Enterprising3.0
- Artistic1.7
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Ophthalmologist, Except Pediatric
O*NET related occupations
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
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More healthcare practitioners and technical careers
Median annual pay, with ophthalmologists, except pediatric highlighted
- Anesthesiologist$391,490
- Ophthalmologist, Except Pediatric$300,080
- Physician Assistant$135,880
- Nurse Practitioner$132,300
- Physical Therapist$102,760
- Dental Hygienist$98,100
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographer$96,590
- Radiologic Technologist and Technician$80,110
- Surgical Technologist$64,650
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Anesthesiologist | $391,490 |
| Ophthalmologist, Except Pediatric | $300,080 |
| Physician Assistant | $135,880 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $132,300 |
| Physical Therapist | $102,760 |
| Dental Hygienist | $98,100 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | $96,590 |
| Radiologic Technologist and Technician | $80,110 |
| Surgical Technologist | $64,650 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Specialty careers within ophthalmologist, except pediatric
Distinct careers BLS counts inside this occupation, each with its own profile.
Lists Ophthalmologist, Except Pediatric appears on
Questions
Ophthalmologist, Except Pediatric: frequently asked questions
How much do Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric make?
Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric earn a median of $300,080 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). That is 489% above the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $144.27/hr. The middle half earn between $173,650 and $421,530. The top 10% earn $489,710 or more.
Do you need a degree to become an Ophthalmologist, Except Pediatric?
Yes, and beyond a bachelor's: BLS lists a doctoral or professional degree as the typical entry requirement for Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric. BLS also lists internship/residency as typical on-the-job training. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 42.1% hold post-doctoral training.
Is Ophthalmologist, Except Pediatric a growing career?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 4.5% over 2025–2035, faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 200 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does an Ophthalmologist, Except Pediatric do?
Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses and address health maintenance. A core O*NET task: perform comprehensive examinations of the visual system to determine the nature or extent of ocular disorders. Employers most often ask for Medical software, Spreadsheet software, Word processing software.
Which states pay Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric the most?
The highest state medians for Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric are Rhode Island ($450,370), New Hampshire ($404,330), California ($400,150) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Adjusted for local prices using BEA Regional Price Parities, Iowa moves to the top at $449,967.
What personality type suits an Ophthalmologist, Except Pediatric?
O*NET scores Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric highest on the Investigative, Social and Realistic interest areas, so the work mixes investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data with teaching, helping and working directly with other people. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping the closest types are ISTJ, ISFJ. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.