Pay by Role
China · Salary comparison

Optometrist vs Surgeon salary

In China, a surgeon earns about 114% more than a optometrist $235,990 vs $110,473 per year.

Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is CNY). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies

Healthcare
Optometrist
$110,473/yr
Monthly
$9,204
Hourly
$53
Range
$80,649$146,933
10-yr outlook
+9%
Pays more
Healthcare
Surgeon
$235,990/yr
Monthly
$19,661
Hourly
$113
Range
$151,033$339,825
10-yr outlook
+3%

Pay range, side by side

PercentileOptometristSurgeon
Entry (10th)$80,649$151,033
25th$95,561$193,511
Median$110,473$235,990
75th$128,703$287,907
Senior (90th)$146,933$339,825

National China figures in CNY. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.

More Healthcare comparisons

Frequently asked questions

Does a optometrist or surgeon earn more in China?
A surgeon earns more, at about ¥1,600,000 per year vs ¥749,000 for a optometrist — roughly 114% (¥851,000) more.
What is the salary range for these roles in China?
A optometrist typically earns ¥546,800–¥996,200, while a surgeon earns ¥1,024,000–¥2,304,000 per year.
How much do these jobs pay per month in China?
On a monthly basis before tax, a optometrist averages about ¥62,400 and a surgeon about ¥133,300.
How do entry-level salaries compare?
At the 10th percentile in China, a optometrist earns about ¥546,800 while a surgeon earns about ¥1,024,000 per year.
How do senior-level salaries compare?
At the 90th percentile in China, a optometrist earns about ¥996,200 while a surgeon earns about ¥2,304,000 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.