How Much Do Ophthalmologists Make is a critical question for those in or considering this specialized medical field, and HOW.EDU.VN is here to provide the answers. Understanding ophthalmologist compensation involves analyzing various factors such as specialization, location, and practice environment. Get ready to explore ophthalmology salaries and physician compensation packages for a comprehensive view of earnings in the field.
1. How Ophthalmology Aggregate Stats Were Determined
The ophthalmologist salary data presented here is based on 87 anonymous data points collected between mid-2023 and mid-2024. While a larger dataset is generally preferred, specialized fields like ophthalmology can be challenging to aggregate extensive data. The statistics provided below primarily pertain to full-time practicing ophthalmologists, defined as those working 36 or more hours per week. It’s important to remember that smaller datasets may not fully represent the broader landscape of the specialty. For a more comprehensive comparison, please consult the full free doctor salary and negotiation database. New data will be added on a continuous basis, therefore, this page will be updated.
Your contribution of physician salary and negotiation data will help enhance these insights and provide even more accurate information for others in your field.
2. How Much Does an Ophthalmologist Make?
The average annual salary for all ophthalmologists in the dataset, including both part-time and full-time practitioners, is $484,000. This figure represents attending physicians only, excluding data from residents and fellows. It’s important to consider that this single average can be misleading due to the various factors influencing salary. Therefore, let’s analyze to determine comparative points.
2.1. Average Full-Time Ophthalmologist Salary
Part-time salaries can skew the overall average, so let’s examine full-time ophthalmologist salaries separately. Full-time is defined as working 36 hours or more per week.
The average salary for a full-time ophthalmologist is $509,000. The salary range is quite broad:
- The highest reported salaries are around $1,500,000 per year.
- The lowest reported salaries are in the $200,000 per year range.
- The median salary is $450,000.
Further analysis of ophthalmologists earning $900,000 or more will be discussed in the section on how much ophthalmologists make by practice environment.
2.2. Average Part-Time Ophthalmologist Salary
Many ophthalmologists reported working part-time, with the majority working 31-35 hours per week. A breakdown of how much ophthalmologists typically work is provided below.
The average part-time ophthalmologist salary, for those working 16-35 hours per week, is $329,000.
3. How Much Ophthalmologists Make by Specialization
Specialization significantly impacts ophthalmologist compensation. The following outlines salary trends by subspecialty based on available data:
- Cornea Specialists: The salaries reported by cornea specialists, with one exception, ranged from $300,000 to $400,000 annually, lower than the average for all ophthalmologists. The outlier, a 1099 physician, reported $700,000.
- Glaucoma Specialists: Although one glaucoma specialist reported a lower salary due to active duty military status, this subspecialty generally pays higher, with reported salaries ranging from $500,000 to $800,000 annually. Practice environment can play a huge factor in salaries.
- Pediatric Ophthalmologists: Data for pediatric ophthalmologists indicated salaries below the overall average, ranging from $250,000 to $500,000.
- Retina Specialists: Retina specialists reported an average salary of $699,000 per year, 37% higher than the average for all ophthalmologists.
- Vitreoretinal Surgeons: Salaries for vitreoretinal surgeons ranged from $570,000 to $900,000, all higher than the average across all ophthalmologists.
4. Ophthalmologist Salary by Gender
Data was compared between female and male ophthalmologists to identify potential salary differences:
- Female ophthalmologists reported an average salary of $459,000.
- Male ophthalmologists reported an average salary of $549,000.
Overall, male ophthalmologists averaged 20% higher than their female counterparts. Further investigation revealed that male ophthalmologists were more likely to be owners or partners in their practice. 36% of male ophthalmologists were owners/partners, compared to only 16% of female ophthalmologists.
5. How Much Ophthalmologists Make by Practice Environment
Analyzing ophthalmologist compensation by practice environment reveals significant differences:
- Group private practice, non-private equity backed: $544,000
- Group private practice, private equity backed: $692,000
- Academic hospital employee: $384,000
Ophthalmologists working for academic hospitals reported the lowest average salary, 42% less than those in non-PE backed group practices and 80% less than those in PE-backed group practices. Academic positions often qualify for Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), a significant benefit in the overall compensation package.
Physicians working with a PE backed group averaged 27% more than those in non-private equity settings.
Both of the lowest reported salaries were active duty military members.
Salaries for solo private practice ophthalmologists varied widely, with most around $375,000 but one reported in the seven-figure range.
5.1. Who Earns the Most in Ophthalmology?
Six data submissions reported ophthalmology salaries of $900,000 or more. Common traits among these high earners include:
- Working in private practice, either solo or group.
- Being partners/owners or specializing in a surgical subspecialty.
- Having at least 5 years of experience after training.
6. Ophthalmologist Salary by Type of Employment
The type of employment significantly influences ophthalmologist compensation:
- 1099 independent contractor ophthalmologists: There was not enough data to assess an average, but the salary range was more than $400,000, indicating other factors play a significant role.
- Locums: One of the lowest reported salaries was for a locums physician, but without details on frequency or contract length, it’s difficult to determine if locums was their full-time job or a side gig. See separate locums pay and compensation data set.
- W-2 employed ophthalmologists: On average, W-2 employee ophthalmologists made $476,000 per year, less than the overall average for full-time ophthalmologists.
- Partners/owners: Partners/owners reported an average salary of $610,000 per year, 28% higher than W2 employees.
Becoming a partner or owner can increase earning potential, though it comes with additional administrative responsibilities. Some partners may also have ownership in an ambulatory surgery center (ASC).
7. Ophthalmologist Salary by Location
Currently, not enough data is available to provide average salaries by state. Future updates will include this information as more data is collected.
8. How Much Ophthalmologists Make by Hours Worked
How much ophthalmologists get paid can correlate to hours worked. Here is how average salaries varied by reported hours worked:
- 16-35 hours a week average: $329,000
- 36-40 hours a week average: $515,000
- 41-45 hours a week average: $466,000
- 46-50 hours a week average: $460,000
- 51+ hours a week average: $682,000
The data reveals a reverse trend between 36-50 hours a week. Other factors besides hours worked drive ophthalmologist salaries. Practice owners in the 36-40 hour a week range may focus more on the business side of their practices.
8.1. How Much Ophthalmologists Work
The majority of ophthalmologists work 36-45 hours a week on average.
In addition to average hours, doctors also report time spent charting. Ophthalmologists spend less time charting at home than other specialties, but 33% still report spending at least one hour a week charting at home.
9. Changes in Ophthalmologist Salary Over Time
The analyzed data includes contributions from mid-2023 to mid-2024, reflecting the most recent salary and compensation data.
Comparison to a previous salary database from 2018 reveals trends in average pay for ophthalmologists. The analysis focuses on doctors out of residency/fellowship who worked 36+ hours a week.
- 2018-2019: $400,000
- 2020-2021: $383,000 (4% decrease)
- 2022-2023: $458,000 (20% increase)
- 2024: $509,000 (11% increase)
Ophthalmology salaries have generally increased over time. A dip occurred in 2020-2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, which was common in specialties with elective surgeries.
Salaries sharply increased in 2022-2023 with pay rebounding after the pandemic, and this increase continued into 2024.
10. Additional Insights into Ophthalmologist Compensation Packages
Physicians also provide other compensation data. Key insights that ophthalmologists may find interesting include:
10.1. Sign-On and Relocation Bonuses Ophthalmologists Receive
25% of ophthalmologists reported receiving a sign-on bonus, with an average amount of $20,000. Signing bonuses ranged from $5,000 to $45,000.
33% reported receiving a relocation bonus. The average amount was around $9,000. Relocation bonuses ranged from $2,000 to $20,000. Some were limited to reimbursement of actual moving expenses rather than a lump sum bonus.
10.2. Average Vacation Days Ophthalmologists Receive
The average number of vacation days annually was 22 days, with 20 days being the median. Some doctors have an overall pool of paid time off (PTO), including sick days and CME, while others have separate allocations.
Some have unlimited time off, but this typically means they work under a straight production compensation model and don’t get paid if they don’t work.
10.3. CME Stipends for Ophthalmologists
58% of ophthalmologists reported receiving some sort of CME stipend, with the average annual stipend being around $5,200. Stipends ranged from $1,000 to $25,000.
10.4. Average Student Loan Debt for Ophthalmologists
The average student loan debt at graduation was $220,000.
11. Extra Insights from Ophthalmologists
Additional comments from members of our physician online community may be valuable for job selection and contract negotiations.
12. Increasing Your Ophthalmologist Salary
If your current salary is questionable, explore ways to increase your income. Consider all factors, including PTO, call responsibilities, and 401(k) match.
Salary is a key component of physician compensation but not the only part of a well negotiated physician employment contract.
Talk with management to renegotiate your contract. Use salary and compensation data for physicians to determine the appropriate salary.
Explore other career opportunities, and use our Physician Side Gigs job board and physician career resources and education to help navigate the job search process.
Hire a local contract review attorney for physicians to review your contract.
Explore medical and non-medical side gigs for doctors for ideas on other ways to increase your income.
13. Additional Salary and Career Resources for Ophthalmologists
Explore related articles and resources on doctor compensation and salaries:
If you haven’t recently, please contribute data. Contribution links can be found on our compensation data for physicians page.
Looking for a new career opportunity? Explore the Physician Side Gigs job board for current opportunities.
If you need guidance on negotiating your next contract, check out:
Also check out common medical and non-medical physician side gigs.
Navigating the complexities of ophthalmologist compensation can be challenging, but HOW.EDU.VN is here to simplify the process. With insights into average salaries, specialization considerations, and practice environment nuances, you can confidently assess your worth and make informed career decisions.
However, generic information can only take you so far. Every professional journey is unique, and personalized guidance can make all the difference. At HOW.EDU.VN, we connect you with over 100 world-renowned Ph.D.s ready to provide tailored advice for your specific situation.
Don’t leave your career to chance. Contact HOW.EDU.VN today for expert insights that empower you to achieve your full potential. Reach out at 456 Expertise Plaza, Consult City, CA 90210, United States. Whatsapp: +1 (310) 555-1212. Visit our website: HOW.EDU.VN and take the next step towards a brighter future.
FAQ: Ophthalmologist Salary and Compensation
1. What is the average salary for an ophthalmologist?
The average annual salary for ophthalmologists is $484,000, encompassing both part-time and full-time practitioners. However, the compensation may vary depending on numerous factors. At HOW.EDU.VN, our experts can help you determine a more specific estimate according to your individual circumstances.
2. How does specialization affect ophthalmologist salary?
Specialization impacts ophthalmologist compensation, with retina specialists earning an average of $699,000 per year, significantly higher than the overall average. If you’re considering a subspecialty, HOW.EDU.VN can provide insights into the potential earnings and career paths associated with different areas of focus.
3. What is the salary difference between male and female ophthalmologists?
Male ophthalmologists report an average salary 20% higher than their female counterparts, often due to a higher representation in partner or ownership roles. At HOW.EDU.VN, we can advise on how to address and overcome potential gender-based salary disparities in your career.
4. How does the practice environment influence ophthalmologist compensation?
The practice environment significantly affects compensation, with ophthalmologists in private equity-backed group practices earning considerably more than those in academic hospitals. HOW.EDU.VN’s consultants can offer guidance on selecting the optimal practice setting to maximize your earning potential.
5. What is the impact of hours worked on ophthalmologist salary?
While generally, higher hours correlate with higher pay, a reverse trend is noted between 36-50 hours per week, suggesting other factors also influence compensation. HOW.EDU.VN can help you balance your work hours and salary to achieve a fulfilling and financially rewarding career.
6. What are common components of an ophthalmologist compensation package besides salary?
Additional components include sign-on bonuses, relocation bonuses, vacation days, CME stipends, and student loan debt forgiveness programs. Our experts at HOW.EDU.VN can assist you in negotiating a comprehensive package that addresses all your financial and professional needs.
7. How has ophthalmologist salary changed over time?
Ophthalmologist salaries have generally increased over time, with a notable rebound after the COVID-19 pandemic. HOW.EDU.VN stays current with the latest trends and data to provide you with the most relevant and up-to-date salary information.
8. What are some ways to increase my salary as an ophthalmologist?
Strategies to increase your salary include renegotiating your contract, exploring new career opportunities, and considering medical or non-medical side gigs. HOW.EDU.VN offers personalized career coaching to help you identify and implement effective strategies for boosting your income.
9. What is the average student loan debt for ophthalmologists?
The average student loan debt for ophthalmologists is $220,000. HOW.EDU.VN can connect you with financial experts who specialize in student loan management and repayment strategies for medical professionals.
10. How can HOW.EDU.VN help me with my ophthalmology career?
how.edu.vn connects you with over 100 world-renowned Ph.D.s who provide tailored advice for your specific situation, from salary negotiation to career advancement. Contact us today to discover how we can empower you to achieve your full potential.
