Optometrists earning more than dentists

[hamptongirl]

According to BLS.

Optometrists:

Earnings About this section
Median annual wages of salaried optometrists were $96,320 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $70,140 and $125,460. Median annual wages of salaried optometrists in offices of optometrists were $92,670. Salaried optometrists tend to earn more initially than do optometrists who set up their own practices. In the long run, however, those in private practice usually earn more.

According to the American Optometric Association, average annual income for self-employed optometrists was $175,329 in 2007.

Self-employed optometrists, including those in individual, partnerships, and group practice, continue to earn higher income than those in other settings. Earnings also vary by group size. For example, practitioners in large groups—six or more—earn $159,300; practitioners in mid-sized groups—three to five people—earn $179,205; those in small practices—two people—earn $176,944; and individual practitioners earn an average of $134,094. Self-employed optometrists must also provide their own benefits. Practitioners associated with optical chains earn $100,704 on average. However, they typically enjoy paid vacation, sick leave, and pension contributions.

Dentists:

Earnings About this section
Median annual wages of salaried general dentists were $142,870 in May 2008. Earnings vary according to number of years in practice, location, hours worked, and specialty. Self-employed dentists in private practice tend to earn more than salaried dentists.

Dentists who are salaried often receive benefits paid by their employer, with health insurance and malpractice insurance being among the most common. However, like other business owners, self-employed dentists must provide their own health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits.

Just curious...

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[Act0fgod]

How do you get optometrists earn more? I'm not saying they don't but the only number you show for dentist income is greater than the comparable value for optometrists. Sure you show other values for optometrists that are higher...are these values higher than the comparable dentist values?

 

[AmpedUp]

it doesn't matter to me who makes more but...if you read it closely, the median salary of optometrists is ~96k whereas for dentists it's 142k

the other variables such as group practice or solo practice WIDELY vary...surely, there are a handful of optometrists who easily make more than a dentist...just depends on your business skills i guess.

 

[MrAvicii]

Optometrists do not make more. I read a lot about this on the SDN Optometry section, a lot of them seem upset and unhappy with their choices. Most seem to make in the range of 70 to 100K. which sucks considering they had to go through another 4 yr program after their undergrad degree (plus take out a loans and fight for very competitive OD programs). I think PA is the next best thing after d-school, PAs earn a lot of money (with more than one job) they have good schedules and are usually not on call. But I'm a d-school fan all the way, thats where I see myself 👍

 

[AlbinoPolarBear]

Wow. Reading comprehension fail. 👎

How did you come up with that conclusion?

 

[Bis-GMA111]

^couldn't agree more. most optometrists are confined to places like lenscrafters, walmart, and other chains (at least in my area).

and with regards to PAs, they are legit and they make good money. A PA that i went to turned out to completely debunk an orthopedists diagnosis of my ankle and explain to me (and the orthopedist over the phone) about why his diagnosis was incorrect. boss.

 

[Seahawk]

Comparing salaried dentists to self employed optometrists.


That's accurate.

 

[Bereno]

Comparing salaried dentists to self employed optometrists.


That's accurate.

Well duh... aren't most dentists on salary? I mean, how many out there actually own their own practice? sheesh

 

[yappy]

I would imagine on average most dentists would earn more than an opt. Though, at my pre-health club, one opt said with her two practices she is earning ~400k. So I can see how they're both good fields for those with a business sense, work ethic, and strong interest in a field.

 

[amalgamgrillz]

Well duh... aren't most dentists on salary? I mean, how many out there actually own their own practice? sheesh

Salaried dentists means like you're paid a set amount by the government. Generally speaking, in private practice, associates don't just take a percentage of the office's salary. They get paid based on the treatments they do in that year.

 

[MrAvicii]

I would imagine on average most dentists would earn more than an opt. Though, at my pre-health club, one opt said with her two practices she is earning ~400k. So I can see how they're both good fields for those with a business sense, work ethic, and strong interest in a field.

shes lying! hahah no OD can make 400 unless she is scheming old grandmas out of their medicaid and performing insurance fraud. Thats the other thing I found appealing in the OD industry, a lot of private offices, ran some very "non-kosher" methods of charging the insurance... over n over... n over... again. I didnt want to be a in a field that promoted that sort of stuff (I know not all ODs do that, but I saw enough of that to dislike the profession.)

 

[Bereno]

Salaried dentists means like you're paid a set amount by the government. Generally speaking, in private practice, associates don't just take a percentage of the office's salary. They get paid based on the treatments they do in that year.

HAHA I am well aware of what salary means. My post was reeking of sarcasm lol 👍

 

[tayloreve]

Earnings About this section
Median annual wages of salaried optometrists were $96,320 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $70,140 and $125,460. Median annual wages of salaried optometrists in offices of optometrists were $92,670. Salaried optometrists tend to earn more initially than do optometrists who set up their own practices. In the long run, however, those in private practice usually earn more.

According to the American Optometric Association, average annual income for self-employed optometrists was $175,329 in 2007.

Self-employed optometrists, including those in individual, partnerships, and group practice, continue to earn higher income than those in other settings. Earnings also vary by group size. For example, practitioners in large groups—six or more—earn $159,300; practitioners in mid-sized groups—three to five people—earn $179,205; those in small practices—two people—earn $176,944; and individual practitioners earn an average of $134,094. Self-employed optometrists must also provide their own benefits. Practitioners associated with optical chains earn $100,704 on average. However, they typically enjoy paid vacation, sick leave, and pension contributions.

Dentists
Earnings About this section
Median annual wages of salaried general dentists were $142,870 in May 2008. Earnings vary according to number of years in practice, location, hours worked, and specialty. Self-employed dentists in private practice tend to earn more than salaried dentists.

Dentists who are salaried often receive benefits paid by their employer, with health insurance and malpractice insurance being among the most common. However, like other business owners, self-employed dentists must provide their own health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits.

😕

 

[FROGGBUSTER]

oh my god i chose the wrong profession