Optometrist vs Medical Coder: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Optometrist
Examine eyes, diagnose vision problems, and prescribe corrective lenses.
Medical Coder
Translate medical diagnoses and procedures into standardised codes for billing.
Optometrist earns more on average — the national median is $79,992/year (141%) higher than a Medical Coder. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Optometrist vs Medical Coder — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Optometrist | Medical Coder | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $199,281 | $83,101 | Optometrist +$116,180 |
| New York, NY | $165,439 | $69,765 | Optometrist +$95,674 |
| Seattle, WA | $195,352 | $79,430 | Optometrist +$115,922 |
| Austin, TX | $156,968 | $64,839 | Optometrist +$92,129 |
| Chicago, IL | $148,787 | $59,692 | Optometrist +$89,095 |
| Boston, MA | $179,596 | $75,244 | Optometrist +$104,352 |
| London, UK | £107,249 | £44,852 | Optometrist +$62,397 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$178,931 | CA$75,011 | Optometrist +$103,920 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Optometrist or Medical Coder earn more?+
A Optometrist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Optometrist is $136,570/year, compared to $56,578/year for a Medical Coder — a difference of $79,992 (141%).
Which has better career growth — Optometrist or Medical Coder?+
Optometrist roles are growing at 4% YoY while Medical Coder demand is growing at 9% YoY. Medical Coder has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Optometrist to Medical Coder?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Optometrist or Medical Coder?+
Optometrist has a lower AI automation risk (22% vs 72%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.