Pay by Role
United Kingdom · Salary comparison

Optometrist vs Registered Nurse salary

In United Kingdom, a optometrist earns about 114% more than a registered nurse $190,096 vs $88,890 per year.

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

Pays more
Healthcare
Optometrist
$190,096/yr
Monthly
$15,797
Hourly
$91
Range
$138,824$252,882
10-yr outlook
+9%
Healthcare
Registered Nurse
$88,890/yr
Monthly
$7,363
Hourly
$43
Range
$64,927$118,208
10-yr outlook
+6%

Pay range, side by side

PercentileOptometristRegistered Nurse
Entry (10th)$138,824$64,927
25th$164,393$76,842
Median$190,096$88,890
75th$221,422$103,616
Senior (90th)$252,882$118,208

National United Kingdom figures in GBP. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.

More Healthcare comparisons

Frequently asked questions

Does a optometrist or registered nurse earn more in United Kingdom?
A optometrist earns more, at about £142,000 per year vs £66,400 for a registered nurse — roughly 114% (£75,600) more.
What is the salary range for these roles in United Kingdom?
A optometrist typically earns £103,700–£188,900, while a registered nurse earns £48,500–£88,300 per year.
How much do these jobs pay per month in United Kingdom?
On a monthly basis before tax, a optometrist averages about £11,800 and a registered nurse about £5,500.
How do entry-level salaries compare?
At the 10th percentile in United Kingdom, a optometrist earns about £103,700 while a registered nurse earns about £48,500 per year.
How do senior-level salaries compare?
At the 90th percentile in United Kingdom, a optometrist earns about £188,900 while a registered nurse earns about £88,300 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.