Optometrist vs Pharmacist salary
In Australia, a pharmacist earns about 2% more than a optometrist — $224,153 vs $219,295 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is AUD). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
Pays more
Healthcare
Pharmacist$224,153/yr
- Monthly
- $18,668
- Hourly
- $108
- Range
- $173,701–$285,777
- 10-yr outlook
- +3%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Optometrist | Pharmacist |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $160,099 | $173,701 |
| 25th | $189,662 | $198,962 |
| Median | $219,295 | $224,153 |
| 75th | $255,451 | $254,965 |
| Senior (90th) | $291,676 | $285,777 |
National Australia figures in AUD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
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Frequently asked questions
- Does a optometrist or pharmacist earn more in Australia?
- A pharmacist earns more, at about $323,000 per year vs $316,000 for a optometrist — roughly 2% ($7,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in Australia?
- A optometrist typically earns $230,700–$420,300, while a pharmacist earns $250,300–$411,800 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in Australia?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a optometrist averages about $26,300 and a pharmacist about $26,900.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in Australia, a optometrist earns about $230,700 while a pharmacist earns about $250,300 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in Australia, a optometrist earns about $420,300 while a pharmacist earns about $411,800 per year.
- Are optometrist and pharmacist similar careers?
- Both roles sit in the Healthcare category on Pay by Role, which is why we compare them head-to-head. Day-to-day work still differs — review each job page for skills and outlook.