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Occupational Employment Statistics


DETAILED OCCUPATION DATA

29-1041 Optometrists



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 “Physicians and Surgeons, All Other” (29-1069).

Geography Click link for Career Profile EmploymentEmp SE*Percentiles
Mean10th25thMedian75th90th
Southwest Minnesota 508$70.87/hr$48.16/hr$52.23/hr$73.04/hr$78.82/hr>$100/hr
Minnesota 71067$74.85/hr$47.78/hr$62.20/hr$78.44/hr$86.18/hr>$100/hr
U S 42,7901,198$69.95/hr$37.00/hr$54.06/hr$67.50/hr$81.61/hr$99.92/hr


IndustryOES Employment (Statewide)OES Median Wage (Statewide)
Trade, Transportation and Utilities100$82.73/hr
Education and Health Services600$77.83/hr
Public AdministrationN/AN/A
 
Geography Click link for details EmploymentMedian WageProjections
% Change 2022-2032
Northeast Balance of State N/AN/AN/A
Mankato-North Mankato MN MSA 10$77.05/hrN/A
Grand Forks ND-MN MSA 20$67.00/hrN/A
Duluth MN-WI MSA 30$78.00/hrN/A
Rochester MN MSA 30$78.86/hrN/A
Northeast Minnesota 30$71.66/hr7.1%
St Cloud MN MSA 30$65.22/hrN/A
Southwest Balance of State 40$68.48/hrN/A
Fargo ND-MN MSA 40$65.58/hrN/A
La Crosse WI-MN MSA 40$86.89/hrN/A
Southwest Minnesota 50$73.04/hr9.6%
Southeast Balance of State 50$74.18/hrN/A
Northwest Minnesota 60$64.15/hr9.9%
Southeast Minnesota 60$77.51/hr13.5%
Northwest Balance of State 60$64.04/hrN/A
Central Minnesota 90$76.53/hr9.3%
Seven County Mpls-St Paul, MN 410$78.97/hr8.5%
Minneapolis-St Paul-Bloomington MN-WI MSA 470$78.97/hrN/A
Minnesota 710$78.44/hr9.1%


Occupations Click link for details EmploymentMedian WageProjections
% Change 2022-2032
Podiatrists 130>$100/hr2.0%
Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric 180>$100/hr5.7%
Orthodontists N/AN/AN/A
Radiologists 440>$100/hrN/A
Veterinarians 2,140$65.79/hr21.9%
Dermatologists 260>$100/hr2.6%
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons 40>$100/hrN/A
Physicians, Pathologists 550>$100/hrN/A


  • 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.
  • Prescribe, supply, fit and adjust eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision aids.
  • Analyze test results and develop a treatment plan.
  • Educate and counsel patients on contact lens care, visual hygiene, lighting arrangements, and safety factors.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Provide patients undergoing eye surgeries, such as cataract and laser vision correction, with pre- and post-operative care.
  • Prescribe medications to treat eye diseases if state laws permit.