Optometrist salary in Cleveland, OH
Optometrists in the Cleveland, OH metro area earn a median of $135,880 a year ($65.33 an hour), based on BLS data for 250 workers.
Pay ranges from $66,000 for the lowest-paid 10% to $169,220 for the top 10%. That is 1% lower than the national median of $136,570. Pay here is 1% higher than the Ohio statewide median of $134,850. There are 0.24 optometrists per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $127,550, close to the median.
Pay range for optometrists in Cleveland, OH
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $66,000 | $31.73 |
| 25th percentile | $92,870 | $44.65 |
| Median | $135,880 | $65.33 |
| 75th percentile | $158,050 | $75.98 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $169,220 | $81.35 |
| Average (mean) | $127,550 | $61.32 |
Half of optometrists earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $11,323.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $5,661.67 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $5,226.15 |
| Weekly | $2,613.08 |
| Hourly | $65.33 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Optometrist salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $156,990 | 300 |
| Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH | $139,000 | 70 |
| Columbus, OH | $133,370 | 260 |
| Akron, OH | $131,210 | 70 |
| Toledo, OH | $130,640 | 60 |
| Canton-Massillon, OH | $127,190 | 40 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | $103,670 | 30 |
Highest-paying states for optometrists
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $170,310 |
| Maryland | $165,840 |
| North Carolina | $161,560 |
| Delaware | $161,270 |
| New York | $161,140 |
| New Jersey | $159,040 |
| Minnesota | $158,700 |
| Washington | $157,560 |
| Hawaii | $154,620 |
| Maine | $154,110 |
See Optometrist pay in every state or the Ohio statewide figures.
Related jobs in Cleveland, OH
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $83,940 | $40.36 |
| Physicians, All Other | $248,400 | $119.42 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $130,800 | $62.89 |
| Pharmacist | $140,690 | $67.64 |
| Physical Therapist | $104,030 | $50.02 |
| Dental Hygienist | $88,990 | $42.78 |
| Respiratory Therapist | $80,360 | $38.64 |
| Occupational Therapist | $103,060 | $49.55 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $98,900 | $47.55 |
| Physician Assistant | $135,860 | $65.32 |
| Dietitians and Nutritionists | $71,240 | $34.25 |
| Pediatricians, General | $217,970 | $104.80 |
| Veterinarian | $128,610 | $61.83 |
| Dentists, General | $154,800 | $74.42 |
More: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations · all salaries in Cleveland, OH
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 29-1041. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a optometrist make in Cleveland, OH?
The median salary for optometrists in the Cleveland, OH metro area is $135,880 a year, or $65.33 an hour. Pay ranges from $66,000 for the lowest-paid 10% to $169,220 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid optometrists make in Cleveland, OH?
The top 10% of optometrists in the Cleveland, OH metro area earn at least $169,220 a year. The top 25% earn $158,050 or more.
What is the starting pay for optometrists in Cleveland, OH?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $66,000 a year, and a quarter of optometrists earn $92,870 or less.
How many optometrists work in Cleveland, OH?
About 250 optometrists are employed in the Cleveland, OH metro area, not counting the self-employed.