Ophthalmologists (Except Pediatric) Salary by State
The national median pay for ophthalmologists (except pediatric) is $300,080 a year. By state, it ranges from $101,940 in Kentucky to $450,370 in Rhode Island.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
U.S. pay range
- Lowest 10%
- $100,180
- 25th percentile
- $173,650
- Median
- $300,080
- 75th percentile
- $421,530
- Top 10%
- $489,710
Annual pay, all U.S. workers in this job. About 8,950 jobs.
Median pay in 34 states
| # | State | Median | vs. U.S. | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rhode Island | $450,370 | +50% | $122,660 | $459,080 | 180 |
| 2 | New Hampshire | $404,330 | +35% | $74,360 | $437,240 | 50 |
| 3 | California | $400,150 | +33% | $99,040 | $499,330 | 820 |
| 4 | Florida | $399,440 | +33% | $163,880 | $639,960 | 580 |
| 5 | Iowa | $394,900 | +32% | $48,510 | $483,360 | 90 |
| 6 | Georgia | $382,920 | +28% | $148,190 | $469,730 | 120 |
| 7 | Minnesota | $372,200 | +24% | $143,260 | $488,550 | 180 |
| 8 | New York | $360,050 | +20% | $93,820 | $478,760 | 960 |
| 9 | Nevada | $345,600 | +15% | $84,990 | $476,390 | Not published |
| 10 | Maine | $337,850 | +13% | $162,230 | $447,130 | 90 |
| 11 | Oregon | $334,450 | +11% | $172,330 | $478,800 | 210 |
| 12 | Massachusetts | $325,200 | +8% | $115,240 | $420,470 | 450 |
| 13 | Texas | $323,010 | +8% | $90,370 | $487,890 | Not published |
| 14 | Alabama | $305,200 | +2% | $173,050 | $465,770 | Not published |
| 15 | Washington | $304,830 | +2% | $84,480 | $509,040 | 180 |
| 16 | Pennsylvania | $304,290 | +1% | $91,460 | $457,660 | 310 |
| 17 | Colorado | $288,050 | −4% | $173,810 | $446,100 | 100 |
| 18 | Illinois | $284,630 | −5% | $53,970 | $421,300 | 620 |
| 19 | Ohio | $271,270 | −10% | $168,550 | $545,790 | 150 |
| 20 | Arkansas | $259,320 | −14% | $124,690 | $421,600 | 30 |
| 21 | Vermont | $258,910 | −14% | $166,850 | $344,880 | 30 |
| 22 | Tennessee | $231,040 | −23% | $122,550 | $570,020 | 230 |
| 23 | Missouri | $228,410 | −24% | $215,990 | $622,380 | Not published |
| 24 | Oklahoma | $215,760 | −28% | $215,760 | $215,760 | Not published |
| 25 | South Carolina | $214,160 | −29% | $173,810 | $421,530 | 100 |
| 26 | Wisconsin | $213,890 | −29% | $100,670 | $440,140 | 250 |
| 27 | South Dakota | $211,990 | −29% | $208,110 | $215,770 | 130 |
| 28 | Maryland | $211,770 | −29% | $100,180 | $360,960 | 260 |
| 29 | Utah | $188,490 | −37% | $59,240 | $480,640 | 30 |
| 30 | Michigan | $179,720 | −40% | $80,730 | $469,050 | 150 |
| 31 | Virginia | $177,410 | −41% | $142,730 | $539,110 | Not published |
| 32 | Indiana | $168,600 | −44% | $132,880 | $489,710 | 160 |
| 33 | Louisiana | $155,250 | −48% | $118,980 | $230,730 | 30 |
| 34 | Kentucky | $101,940 | −66% | $33,650 | $451,590 | 70 |
BLS OEWS May 2025 state estimates. States without published data are not listed. “Not published”: BLS withheld the value or it is above the highest amount BLS publishes. Pay is not adjusted for living costs.
Ophthalmologists (Except Pediatric) salary questions
Which state pays ophthalmologists (except pediatric) the most?
Rhode Island, with a median of $450,370 a year (+50% vs. the national median of $300,080). BLS May 2025.
Which state pays ophthalmologists (except pediatric) the least?
Kentucky, with a median of $101,940 a year (−66% vs. national).
Where do most ophthalmologists (except pediatric) work?
New York has the most jobs, about 960, with a median of $360,050.
Does a higher salary mean more money left over?
Not always. These are pay figures only. Living costs, taxes and housing differ a lot between states, and this page does not adjust for them.