Optometrist vs Surgeon salary
In Australia, a surgeon earns about 118% more than a optometrist — $478,146 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
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Optometrist | Surgeon |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $160,099 | $306,041 |
| 25th | $189,662 | $392,094 |
| Median | $219,295 | $478,146 |
| 75th | $255,451 | $583,352 |
| Senior (90th) | $291,676 | $688,558 |
National Australia figures in AUD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
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Frequently asked questions
- Does a optometrist or surgeon earn more in Australia?
- A surgeon earns more, at about $689,000 per year vs $316,000 for a optometrist — roughly 118% ($373,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in Australia?
- A optometrist typically earns $230,700–$420,300, while a surgeon earns $441,000–$992,200 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 surgeon about $57,400.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in Australia, a optometrist earns about $230,700 while a surgeon earns about $441,000 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in Australia, a optometrist earns about $420,300 while a surgeon earns about $992,200 per year.
- Are optometrist and surgeon 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.