The average yearly pay for ophthalmologists was $409,000 in 2024, the same figure as 2023, according to Medscape’s Ophthalmologist Compensation Report 2025.
Here are nine more pay stats to know:
- The $409,000 annual compensation represents pay for full-time physicians and includes base salary, incentive bonus and other income such as profit-sharing contributions.
- Since starting the ophthalmologist compensation reports in 2014, the profession’s pay had an average annual growth rate of 3.3%.
- In 2024, ophthalmologists worked an average of 45 hours and saw 122 patients each week, down from 47 hours and 127 patients on a weekly basis in 2023.
- Forty one percent of ophthalmologists surveyed felt they were fairly compensated for the demands of their job, and 72% believe that physicians across the U.S. are underpaid.
- Three-quarters of ophthalmologists earn enough to at least cover their family’s living expenses, debts and retirement savings needs.
- More than 40% of ophthalmologists had their salary remain the same in 2024.
- Less than 10% saw their salary increase by 11% or more, while 13% had their compensation decrease by 11% or more.
- Metrics, such as RVUs and patient visits, have an impact on about half of ophthalmologist’s base salaries.
- One-quarter of ophthalmologists surveyed supplemented their income with outside work.
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