Optometrist vs Registered Nurse salary
In Australia, a optometrist earns about 119% more than a registered nurse — $219,295 vs $99,932 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
Optometrist$219,295/yr
- Monthly
- $18,251
- Hourly
- $105
- Range
- $160,099–$291,676
- 10-yr outlook
- +9%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Optometrist | Registered Nurse |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $160,099 | $72,936 |
| 25th | $189,662 | $86,469 |
| Median | $219,295 | $99,932 |
| 75th | $255,451 | $116,448 |
| Senior (90th) | $291,676 | $132,895 |
National Australia figures in AUD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Healthcare comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a optometrist or registered nurse earn more in Australia?
- A optometrist earns more, at about $316,000 per year vs $144,000 for a registered nurse — roughly 119% ($172,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in Australia?
- A optometrist typically earns $230,700–$420,300, while a registered nurse earns $105,100–$191,500 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 registered nurse about $12,000.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in Australia, a optometrist earns about $230,700 while a registered nurse earns about $105,100 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in Australia, a optometrist earns about $420,300 while a registered nurse earns about $191,500 per year.
- Are optometrist and registered nurse 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.