Optometrist vs Medical Lab Scientist: 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 Lab Scientist
Perform laboratory tests on patient samples to aid clinical diagnosis.
Optometrist earns more on average — the national median is $66,413/year (95%) higher than a Medical Lab Scientist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Optometrist vs Medical Lab Scientist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Optometrist | Medical Lab Scientist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $199,281 | $103,069 | Optometrist +$96,212 |
| New York, NY | $165,439 | $87,047 | Optometrist +$78,392 |
| Seattle, WA | $195,352 | $102,380 | Optometrist +$92,972 |
| Austin, TX | $156,968 | $79,439 | Optometrist +$77,529 |
| Chicago, IL | $148,787 | $75,418 | Optometrist +$73,369 |
| Boston, MA | $179,596 | $90,176 | Optometrist +$89,420 |
| London, UK | £107,249 | £55,328 | Optometrist +$51,921 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$178,931 | CA$91,433 | Optometrist +$87,498 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Optometrist or Medical Lab Scientist earn more?+
A Optometrist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Optometrist is $136,570/year, compared to $70,157/year for a Medical Lab Scientist — a difference of $66,413 (95%).
Which has better career growth — Optometrist or Medical Lab Scientist?+
Optometrist roles are growing at 4% YoY while Medical Lab Scientist demand is growing at 7% YoY. Medical Lab Scientist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Optometrist to Medical Lab Scientist?+
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 Lab Scientist?+
Optometrist has a lower AI automation risk (22% vs 55%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.