US Department of Labor- Optometry

[Jonbrout]

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I found this article pretty interesting. It's supposedly from may 2010, and I don't really see any negative prospects for future optometrist. I just wanted to put it on this board so current and potential optometrist could comment on it.
I look forward to hearing what everyone has to say!

http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291041.htm#(1)

Edit: I did notice that the survey of employed optometrist did NOT include self employed workers.

 

[Shnurek]

Offices of Physicians 4,440 0.19 $59.47 $123,690
??? - From what KHE says or from anectodes from other people, optometrists don't make that much working under Ophthalmologists. How can it be the highest paying form of practice other than self-employment?

 

[Tippytoe]

I believe this data to be accurate.

But just remember, that $106,000 income is not really $106,000 / 12 months = $8,833 monthly paycheck. That sounds good doesn't it!

Most likely that number includes everything (ie expenses that you pay out of your check since you don't really have an employer) including health insurance (that alone is $1,000/month), malpractice, CE, social security taxes, payroll taxes, etc... In other words, it's pre-tax and pre-expenses income. It's 'on paper'.

So the paycheck might be $4,000...pretty good still. Oh yea........wait......I forgot it's minus that pesky $1,500/month school loans too. You might take home $2,500/month. A house payment and car payment and you're going to feel like a student again.......

But maybe you will be different. You'll be special. You will work harder and smarter than the rest of us : )

Damn, I'm just a Debbie Downer all the time. Still, it does beat working on the road crew in 100 degree heat. I used to do that too. Also roofing. Optometry definately beats roofing houses.

 

[thiaeyemd]

I guess people who work for physicians don't want to show off about their income...the data from DEpt of labor is very accurate..