As an expert in the field of optometry, I can provide you with a comprehensive overview of the annual income for optometrists. The salary of an optometrist can vary significantly based on a number of factors including geographical location, years of experience, practice setting, and even gender.

Geographical Location plays a crucial role in determining the salary of an optometrist. Optometrists practicing in metropolitan areas may not necessarily earn more than those in rural settings. In fact, rural areas, due to a higher demand and lower supply of eye care professionals, often offer higher salaries to attract qualified optometrists.

Years of Experience is another significant factor. As optometrists gain more experience in the field, their earning potential generally increases. For instance, a newly graduated optometrist might start at a lower salary, but as they accumulate experience, their income can significantly rise.

Practice Setting also influences the salary. Optometrists working in private practices, corporate settings, or academic institutions can have varying levels of compensation. For example, those in private practice or corporate optometry may earn more than those in academia.

Gender, unfortunately, is another factor that can affect salary, with a disparity often observed between male and female optometrists.

According to the most recent data from Eyes On Eyecare, the average optometrist in the United States earns around $141,400 per year[^4^]. However, this is just an average and the actual salary can range from below $60,000 to over $250,000. For employed optometrists in 2021, the average salary was $132,524, while practice owners earned an average of $174,106[^4^].

It's important to note that the starting salary for optometrists has seen an increase over the past decade. In 2000, the average starting salary was $86,875, which rose to $109,000 by 2020[^4^].

When considering the future of optometry, the salary seems to be on an upward trend. From 2020 to 2021, there was a 17% increase in the average optometry salary, going from $113,396 to $132,534[^4^]. This indicates a positive outlook for the profession.

In conclusion, while the median annual salary for an optometrist as of April 29, 2018, was reported to be around $118,942, with a range usually between $105,323-$131,834, it's clear that the actual earning potential can vary widely. The most accurate and up-to-date information should be sought from reliable sources and recent surveys to get a true picture of the current optometrist salary landscape.

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Optometrist Salaries. What is the average annual salary for Optometrist? How much does a Optometrist make? The median annual Optometrist salary is $118,942, as of April 29, 2018, with a range usually between $105,323-$131,834, however this can vary widely depending on a variety of factors.read more >>