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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
Northeast Minnesota 408$60.48/hr$38.99/hr$52.67/hr$56.82/hr$73.79/hr$75.84/hr


IndustryOES Employment (Statewide)OES Median Wage (Statewide)
Trade, Transportation and Utilities160$67.98/hr
Professional and Business ServicesN/AN/A
Education and Health Services680$78.44/hr
Public AdministrationN/AN/A
 
Geography Click link for details EmploymentMedian WageProjections
% Change 2020-2030
Northeast Balance of State 10$64.39/hrN/A
Southwest Balance of State 10$67.98/hrN/A
Mankato-North Mankato MN MSA 20$77.35/hrN/A
Duluth MN-WI MSA 30$56.27/hrN/A
Grand Forks ND-MN MSA 30$64.30/hrN/A
La Crosse WI-MN MSA 30$71.80/hrN/A
Northeast Minnesota 40$56.82/hr5.9%
Southwest Minnesota 50$68.66/hr4.8%
Fargo ND-MN MSA 50$58.85/hrN/A
Northwest Balance of State 50$63.31/hrN/A
Southeast Balance of State 50$72.84/hrN/A
Northwest Minnesota 60$63.50/hr3.7%
St Cloud MN MSA 70$68.16/hrN/A
Rochester MN MSA 80$78.44/hrN/A
Central Minnesota 110$68.16/hr8.1%
Southeast Minnesota 120$78.44/hr4.4%
Seven County Mpls-St Paul, MN 490$75.83/hr7.2%
Minneapolis-St Paul-Bloomington MN-WI MSA 550$75.83/hrN/A
Minnesota 870$74.94/hr7.1%


Occupations Click link for details EmploymentMedian WageProjections
% Change 2020-2030
Podiatrists 180>$100/hr2.4%
Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric 280>$100/hrN/A
Radiologists 460>$100/hrN/A
Veterinarians 1,690$51.11/hr13.1%
Dermatologists 660>$100/hrN/A
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons 40>$100/hrN/A
Physicians, Pathologists 130>$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.