Ophthalmologist salary
Ophthalmologists in the U.S. earned an average of $304,650 a year in May 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. About 12 years after high school: 4 years of college, 4 years of medical school and 4 years of residency.
- Average pay$304,650a year, May 2025
- Past year+1.0%+4.7% a year since 2022
- Middle half earns$174k–$422k25th to 75th percentile
- Rank#10of 24 careers; 8,950 jobs
Pay since 2022
Eye surgeons for children are counted with pediatric surgeons. Ophthalmologists are a small group, so the yearly figures move around.
| 2025 | $304,650 |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $301,500 |
| 2023 | $312,120 |
| 2022 | $265,450 |
| 10th percentile | $100,180 |
|---|---|
| 25th percentile | $173,650 |
| Median | $300,080 |
| 75th percentile | $421,530 |
| 90th percentile | $489,710 |
The path to becoming one
About 12 years after high school: 4 years of college, 4 years of medical school and 4 years of residency.
- College4 years - Bachelor's degree
- Medical school4 years - MD or DO degree
- Residency1 year - Intern year
- Residency3 years - Ophthalmology residency
How it compares
| Career | Average pay | Training after high school |
|---|---|---|
| Pediatric Surgeons | $502,050 | 15 years |
| Cardiologists | $454,940 | 14 years |
| Radiologists | $381,530 | 13 years |
| Surgeons | $373,930 | 13 years |
| Orthopedic Surgeons | $373,570 | 13 years |
| Anesthesiologists | $360,570 | 12 years |
| Oral Surgeons | $346,490 | 12 years |
| Dermatologists | $323,530 | 12 years |
| Emergency Medicine Physicians | $317,480 | 11 years |
| Ophthalmologists | $304,650 | 12 years |
| Pathologists | $285,420 | 12 years |
| OB/GYNs | $279,040 | 12 years |
| Psychiatrists | $269,940 | 12 years |
| Neurologists | $267,630 | 12 years |
| Internal Medicine Physicians | $267,200 | 11 years |
| Family Medicine Physicians | $255,820 | 11 years |
| Nurse Anesthetists | $248,320 | 8 years |
| Pediatricians | $212,110 | 11 years |
| Dentists | $191,350 | 8 years |
| Physician Assistants | $141,280 | 6¼ years |
| Pharmacists | $140,920 | 6 years |
| Nurse Practitioners | $137,300 | 6 years |
| Medical Scientists | $116,840 | 13 years |
| Registered Nurses | $101,420 | 4 years |
Questions
How much does an ophthalmologist make?
An average of $304,650 a year in May 2025, for ophthalmologists employed in the U.S. (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Half of them earned more than $300,080 and half less.
How long does it take to become an ophthalmologist?
About 12 years after high school: 4 years of college, 4 years of medical school and 4 years of residency.
Why do other salary reports show higher numbers?
Reports such as Doximity's or Medscape's survey doctors directly and include self-employed doctors and more of their bonuses and profit-sharing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics counts employees only - including doctors still in residency training - and leaves some of those payments out, so its averages run lower. Its figures are the public, government numbers, updated every spring.
What does the ophthalmologist figure include?
Eye surgeons for children are counted with pediatric surgeons. Ophthalmologists are a small group, so the yearly figures move around.
Sources and method
Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric (SOC 29-1241), mean yearly wage of employees, May 2025. Training: program length sources. Last checked 2026-09-23. Educational estimates, not financial advice; pay varies by place, employer and experience. About this data.
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