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.
The national average annual salary for this occupation is $106,750 per year. Nationally, the average hourly wage for this occupation is $51.32. The average wage in New Mexico is well below the national average. In New Mexico, the average hourly wage is $48.08 and most workers in this occupation earn between $31.73 and $56.25 per hour.
In the table click on the "+" sign to expand/collapse areas.
| Area | Entry Wage | Average Wage | Experienced Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Annual | $106,750 | ||
| National Hourly | $51.32 | ||
| Statewide Annual | $66,008 | $100,008 | $117,008 |
| Statewide Hourly | $31.73 | $48.08 | $56.25 |
| Metro Areas | |||
| Albuquerque Annual | $68,637 | $98,453 | $113,362 |
| Hourly | $33.00 | $47.33 | $54.50 |
| Farmington Annual | - | - | - |
| Hourly | - | - | - |
| Las Cruces Annual | - | - | - |
| Hourly | - | - | - |
| Santa Fe Annual | - | - | - |
| Hourly | - | - | - |
| Regions | |||
| Central Annual | $68,637 | $98,453 | $113,362 |
| Hourly | $33.00 | $47.33 | $54.50 |
| Eastern Annual | - | - | - |
| Hourly | - | - | - |
| Northern Annual | $54,317 | $106,855 | $133,124 |
| Hourly | $26.11 | $51.37 | $64.00 |
| Southwestern Annual | - | - | - |
| Hourly | - | - | - |
A dash '-' indicates that information is not available for this occupation or area.
Metro Areas refer to Metropolitan Statistical Areas.
Regions refer to Workforce Investment Areas.
For more detailed information about New Mexico wages visit the Occupational Employment Statistics program website.
Information displayed represents annual 2010 wages.
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New Mexico
2008 to 2018
In 2008 there were about 220 workers in this occupation in New Mexico. The Department of Workforce Solutions estimates that by 2018 this number will increase by about 13 percent and an estmated 250 will be employed in this occupation. Compared to other occupations, employment growth in this occupation is growing more slowly than the average. Job opportunities indicate few and keen competition, as there should be about 3 openings each year for workers in this occupation.
In the Table click on the "+" sign to expand/collapse areas
| Area | Estimated Employment 2008 | Projected Employment 2018 | Annual Percent Change | Total Annual Average Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | 220 | 250 | 1.22% | 3 |
| + Metro Areas | ||||
| Albuquerque | 120 | 140 | 1.18% | 2 |
| Farmington | - | - | - | - |
| Las Cruces | - | - | - | - |
| Santa Fe | - | - | - | - |
| + Regions | ||||
| Central | 120 | 140 | 1.18% | 2 |
| Eastern | - | - | - | - |
| Northern | 60 | 70 | 0.91% | 1 |
| Southwestern | - | - | - | - |
A dash '-' indicates that information is not available for this occupation or area.
Metro Areas refer to Metropolitan Statistical Areas.
Regions refer to Workforce Investment Areas.
Optometrists usually need Doctoral Degree.
| Education Level | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Doctoral Degree | 88% |
| Post-Doctoral Training | 8% |
| First Professional Degree - awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession | 4% |
Information based on O*NET data and is the result of a national survey.
Use this list to find educational opportunities for this occupation. Contact the specific schools directly to find out application requirements and program availability.
In the table click on the "+" sign to expand/collapse areas.
No New Mexico public based training programs found for this specific occupation. However, please consider reviewing the list of NM Educational Opportunities and contacting a New Mexico Institution of Higher Education to see if a program in the related Career Cluster is available. |
This list is updated once a year and is compiled from the NM Department of Higher Education and other sources.
| License Title | Contact | Year | Number issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optometrists | New Mexico Board of Examiners in Optometry 2550 Cerrillos Road, Second Floor , Santa Fe, NM 87505 (505) 547-4945 www.rld.state.nm.us/Optometry/index.html | 2010 | 312 |
Other available certificates or credentials may also be desirable. Additional local licenses or permits may be required, and individual businesses may have specific employment requirements. Licensing information is collected through a variety of New Mexico-based resources and does NOT include federal licensing requirements.
No WorkKeys scores are available for this particular occupation.
For further information on WorkKeys please visit the ACT-WorkKeys website. Skill levels are provided for individuals who know thier scores.
| Industry | Percent of Employed |
|---|---|
| Ambulatory Health Care Services | 73.6% |
| General Merchandise Stores | * |
| Self-Employed Workers, Primary Job | 23.2% |
* Data is confidential.
Source: NMDWS, Economic Research and Analysis Bureau