Optometrists in Alabama
Thinking about a career as an Optometrists in Alabama? Here’s what the data says. Diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system. Examine eyes and visual system, diagnose problems or impairments, prescribe corrective lenses, and provide treatment. May prescribe therapeutic drugs to treat specific eye conditions. Ophthalmologists are included in “Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric” (29-1241).
What do Optometrists Make in Alabama?
The optometrists working in Alabama, the median annual wage is $129,700 per year (or roughly $62.36/hour).Annual wages span from $54,420 at the 10th percentile to $175,260 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $54,420 | $26.17 |
| 25th percentile | $79,340 | $38.14 |
| Median (50th) | $129,700 | $62.36 |
| 75th percentile | $160,390 | $77.11 |
| 90th percentile | $175,260 | $84.26 |
The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in Alabama nationwide is 0.82, indicating fewer optometrists per worker than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, optometrists earn a median of $116,847 per year ($56.18/hour), exceeding the Alabama median.
Employment Outlook
National employment for 1,080,119 optometrists in the U.S.. In Alabama alone, around 470 people work in this role. That trails the typical state, which employs around 480 optometrists.
Top Alabama Metros for Optometrists
These are the Alabama metros with the most optometrists in Alabama.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Birmingham, AL | 110 | $137,050 |
| Huntsville, AL | 50 | $132,700 |
| Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL | 40 | $164,560 |
| Mobile, AL | 30 | $130,580 |
Top States for Optometrists Employment
View the states that employ the most optometrists work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| California | 6,790 |
| Texas | 3,180 |
| New York | 2,500 |
| Florida | 2,280 |
| Illinois | 1,670 |
| Pennsylvania | 1,530 |
| Ohio | 1,450 |
| North Carolina | 1,400 |
| Michigan | 1,330 |
| Massachusetts | 1,120 |
| Virginia | 1,120 |
| Colorado | 980 |
| Indiana | 960 |
| Arizona | 960 |
| New Jersey | 950 |
| Washington | 930 |
| Maryland | 870 |
| Georgia | 860 |
| Wisconsin | 750 |
| Minnesota | 700 |
Highest-Paying States for Optometrists
These states pay the most for optometrists.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $165,830 |
| New York | $163,040 |
| Maryland | $157,830 |
| Washington | $157,650 |
| New Jersey | $156,000 |
| Vermont | $156,000 |
| New Mexico | $154,630 |
| District of Columbia | $154,300 |
| North Carolina | $153,750 |
| Massachusetts | $150,820 |
Skills
The most important optometrists skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Important knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
The abilities that matter most for optometrists, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Common tasks include:
- Examine eyes, using observation, instruments, and pharmaceutical agents, to determine visual acuity and perception, focus, and coordination and to diagnose diseases and other abnormalities, such as glaucoma or color blindness.
- Analyze test results and develop a treatment plan.
- Prescribe, supply, fit and adjust eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision aids.
- Prescribe medications to treat eye diseases if state laws permit.
- Educate and counsel patients on contact lens care, visual hygiene, lighting arrangements, and safety factors.
- Remove foreign bodies from the eye.
- Provide patients undergoing eye surgeries, such as cataract and laser vision correction, with pre- and post-operative care.
- Consult with and refer patients to ophthalmologist or other health care practitioner if additional medical treatment is determined necessary.
- Prescribe therapeutic procedures to correct or conserve vision.
- Provide vision therapy and low-vision rehabilitation.
Work Activities
- Assisting and Caring for Others
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Getting Information
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
- Processing Information
- Analyzing Data or Information
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Working with Computers
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Tools & Technology
Technologies frequently used: Hot technologies: Apple Safari In-demand technologies: Apple Safari
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Several college majors map to this occupation:
Related Careers
Careers similar to optometrists include:
- Chiropractors
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
- Podiatrists
- Nurse Practitioners
- Audiologists
- Anesthesiologists
Also Known As
Optometrist, Optometry Doctor (OD), Therapeutic Optometrist.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 29-1041.00
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