Optometrist Salary in the UK: What You Need to Know

Understanding the optometrist salary landscape is essential whether you're starting out, considering a move, or negotiating a pay rise. This guide draws on the latest official data from the ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), the Association of Optometrists (AOP), and other reputable sources to give you a clear picture of typical pay, regional variations, and how experience and demographics affect earnings.

National Overview: Median and Mean Optometrist Pay

According to ONS ASHE data analysed by Salary Scout, the median optometrist salary in the UK for 2025/26 is £38,743 per year. The mean (average) salary is higher at £44,097, which suggests that a minority of optometrists in very senior or specialist roles earn significantly more, pulling the average up. For context, the overall UK median full-time annual salary across all occupations is £39,039 (ONS ASHE 2025), so optometrists are broadly in line with the national median.

To convert the median optometrist salary to an hourly rate, assume a standard full-time week of 37.5 hours (common in the optical sector). Dividing £38,743 by (37.5 × 52) gives roughly £19.87 per hour. This is slightly above the median hourly pay for all full-time employees (£19.67) and well above the National Living Wage of £12.21 for those aged 21 and over (2025 rate).

Regional Differences in Optometrist Pay

Where you work makes a huge difference to your optometrist salary. The table below, based on Salary Scout's ONS ASHE data, shows median annual pay by region:

Region	Median Pay	vs UK Median
South West	£53,939	+39%
Scotland	£42,133	+9%
North West	£38,387	-1%
Yorkshire and the Humber	£36,081	-7%
West Midlands	£35,015	-10%
South East	£31,418	-19%
Wales	£30,103	-22%
East of England	£22,447	-42%

The South West stands out as the highest-paying region, while the East of England is the lowest. The AOP's pay survey also found significant regional variation: optometrists in Northern Ireland earn 28.4% less per hour than those in the East of England (the reference category), while those in Scotland and the North East earn 15.7% less. These differences may reflect local cost of living, market competition, and the mix of independent practices versus national chains.

Seniority and Experience: How Age Affects Pay

The AOP survey, analysed by the Institute for Employment Studies, found clear age-related pay progression among optometrists. Using 21–30 year olds as a benchmark:

• 31–40 year olds earn on average 13.7% more per hour
• 41–50 year olds earn 27.4% more per hour
• 51–60 year olds earn 25.5% more per hour

This suggests that optometrist salary grows significantly with experience, peaking in the 41–50 age bracket before levelling off. For a median earner, that 27.4% premium would mean an hourly rate of around £25.30 and an annual salary of about £49,300.

Gender Pay Gap in Optometry

Both the AOP and ABDO surveys highlight a persistent gender pay gap. The AOP found that, on average, women optometrists earn 15.5% less per hour than men, holding other factors constant. The ABDO survey of dispensing opticians reported average full-time salaries of £35,352 for men versus £32,690 for women – a gap of about £2,662. These findings raise important questions about equity and progression opportunities within the profession.

Comparing Optometrist Pay with Other Roles

For context, the median hourly pay for all full-time employees in the UK is £19.67 (ONS ASHE 2025). Optometrists at the median earn slightly more. However, the National Living Wage for those aged 21+ is £12.21 per hour (2025 rate), rising to £12.71 in 2026/27. Even the lowest-paid optometrists (e.g., in the East of England at £22,447 annual, equating to about £11.50 per hour) are close to the NLW, though many will earn above it.

How to Use This Data

When negotiating your optometrist salary, consider the regional benchmarks and your experience level. Use our Hourly to Salary converter to see how different hourly rates translate to annual figures. For more detailed pay data across roles, visit our salary data page. And if you're comparing job offers, remember that London weighting, overtime, and bonus structures can significantly affect take-home pay – always check your contract.

Summary

The typical optometrist salary in the UK is around £38,743 per year, but this varies dramatically by region – from over £53,000 in the South West to under £23,000 in the East of England. Experience adds a significant premium, with those in their 40s earning over a quarter more than those in their 20s. The gender pay gap remains a concern. For the most accurate picture, combine official ONS data with sector-specific surveys from the AOP and ABDO.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average optometrist salary in the UK?

According to ONS ASHE data, the median optometrist salary is £38,743 per year, with a mean of £44,097. This equates to roughly £19.87 per hour for a 37.5-hour week.

How does optometrist pay vary by region?

Regional differences are substantial. The South West is highest at £53,939, while the East of England is lowest at £22,447. Other regions fall in between, with Scotland at £42,133 and the South East at £31,418.

How do I convert an hourly optometrist rate to annual salary?

Multiply the hourly rate by your contracted weekly hours (typically 37.5 for full-time) and then by 52. For example, £20/hr × 37.5 × 52 = £39,000. Use our hourly calculator for quick conversions.