Optometrist vs Respiratory Therapist: 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.
Respiratory Therapist
Diagnose and treat patients with breathing disorders and cardiopulmonary issues.
Optometrist earns more on average — the national median is $55,097/year (68%) higher than a Respiratory Therapist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Optometrist vs Respiratory Therapist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Optometrist | Respiratory Therapist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $199,281 | $120,057 | Optometrist +$79,224 |
| New York, NY | $165,439 | $97,873 | Optometrist +$67,566 |
| Seattle, WA | $195,352 | $118,754 | Optometrist +$76,598 |
| Austin, TX | $156,968 | $89,357 | Optometrist +$67,611 |
| Chicago, IL | $148,787 | $89,921 | Optometrist +$58,866 |
| Boston, MA | $179,596 | $108,564 | Optometrist +$71,032 |
| London, UK | £107,249 | £61,769 | Optometrist +$45,480 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$178,931 | CA$110,580 | Optometrist +$68,351 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Optometrist or Respiratory Therapist earn more?+
A Optometrist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Optometrist is $136,570/year, compared to $81,473/year for a Respiratory Therapist — a difference of $55,097 (68%).
Which has better career growth — Optometrist or Respiratory Therapist?+
Optometrist roles are growing at 4% YoY while Respiratory Therapist demand is growing at 14% YoY. Respiratory Therapist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Optometrist to Respiratory Therapist?+
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 Respiratory Therapist?+
Respiratory Therapist has a lower AI automation risk (15% vs 22%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.