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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 408$66.03/hr$48.41/hr$49.77/hr$60.13/hr$78.49/hr>$100/hr
Minnesota 75068$68.35/hr$50.08/hr$53.43/hr$67.96/hr$78.81/hr$85.35/hr
U S 41,390704$70.83/hr$32.18/hr$50.35/hr$65.30/hr$80.27/hr>$100/hr


IndustryOES Employment (Statewide)OES Median Wage (Statewide)
Trade, Transportation and Utilities60$59.31/hr
Education and Health Services670$68.09/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$65.22/hrN/A
Southwest Balance of State 20$50.72/hrN/A
Duluth MN-WI MSA 30$57.92/hrN/A
St Cloud MN MSA 30$63.39/hrN/A
Northeast Minnesota 40$57.92/hr7.1%
Southwest Minnesota 40$60.13/hr9.6%
La Crosse WI-MN MSA 40$84.25/hrN/A
Southeast Balance of State 40$66.37/hrN/A
Grand Forks ND-MN MSA 50$64.01/hrN/A
Rochester MN MSA 60$78.81/hrN/A
Central Minnesota 70$67.96/hr9.3%
Fargo ND-MN MSA 70$63.01/hrN/A
Northwest Balance of State 80$55.85/hrN/A
Northwest Minnesota 90$55.85/hr9.9%
Southeast Minnesota 90$78.81/hr13.5%
Seven County Mpls-St Paul, MN 420$70.37/hr8.5%
Minneapolis-St Paul-Bloomington MN-WI MSA 460$70.37/hrN/A
Minnesota 750$67.96/hr9.1%


Occupations Click link for details EmploymentMedian WageProjections
% Change 2022-2032
Podiatrists 170>$100/hr2.0%
Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric 140>$100/hr5.7%
Veterinarians 1,830$52.43/hr21.9%
Dermatologists 420>$100/hr2.6%


  • 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.