Larger Salary?

This forum made possible through the generous support of
SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

Get help with your application

Use all the free resources available to you from SDN: articles, guides, expert advising, forums discussions, and school research.

sistermike

Senior Member
7+ Year Member
15+ Year Member
20+ Year Member
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
Ok I am not thinking of becoming an optometrist but just curious about something... do optometrists that work for wal-mart make more than a private priactice? I would think so because its a department store and can afford to pay their optometrists a whole hell lot of money.
 
From Review of Optometry Nov 15,2000 - 14th Annual Optometric Income Survey:

OD average net income was $121,923 (a little highter in 2001).

"Private practice doctors lead the pack with average net earnings of $121,158 while employeed OD's report average net of $103,190." Private OD's with >10 yrs experience averaged $126,860. OD's in Group practices average around $150,000.

As will all jobs, income can vary widely from $25,000(residency) to $500,000 (go-getter).

Avg by year:
1997- $105,000
1998- $110,323
1999- $114,389
2000- $121,932
 
Basically you will make more the first couple of years working for a chain store, but that levels off. A private OD make more money after a couple years plus has more respect right out of school!!!