Optometrist vs Physician (General Practice): 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.
Physician (General Practice)
Diagnose and treat a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions.
Physician (General Practice) earns more on average — the national median is $107,610/year (79%) higher than a Optometrist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Optometrist vs Physician (General Practice) — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Optometrist | Physician (General Practice) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $199,281 | $363,590 | Optometrist $164,309 |
| New York, NY | $165,439 | $294,372 | Optometrist $128,933 |
| Seattle, WA | $195,352 | $353,641 | Optometrist $158,289 |
| Austin, TX | $156,968 | $272,440 | Optometrist $115,472 |
| Chicago, IL | $148,787 | $255,595 | Optometrist $106,808 |
| Boston, MA | $179,596 | $311,219 | Optometrist $131,623 |
| London, UK | £107,249 | £101,944 | Optometrist +$5,305 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$178,931 | CA$294,137 | Optometrist $115,206 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Optometrist or Physician (General Practice) earn more?+
A Physician (General Practice) earns more on average. The national median salary for a Optometrist is $136,570/year, compared to $244,180/year for a Physician (General Practice) — a difference of $107,610 (79%).
Which has better career growth — Optometrist or Physician (General Practice)?+
Optometrist roles are growing at 4% YoY while Physician (General Practice) demand is growing at 5% YoY. Physician (General Practice) has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Optometrist to Physician (General Practice)?+
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 Physician (General Practice)?+
Physician (General Practice) has a lower AI automation risk (10% vs 22%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.