Optometrist vs Physician Assistant salary
In United States, a physician assistant earns about 5% more than a optometrist — $159,000 vs $152,000 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
Pays more
Healthcare
Physician Assistant$159,000/yr
- Monthly
- $13,300
- Hourly
- $76
- Range
- $116,100–$211,500
- 10-yr outlook
- +27%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Optometrist | Physician Assistant |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $111,000 | $116,100 |
| 25th | $131,500 | $137,500 |
| Median | $152,000 | $159,000 |
| 75th | $177,100 | $185,200 |
| Senior (90th) | $202,200 | $211,500 |
National United States figures in USD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Healthcare comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a optometrist or physician assistant earn more in United States?
- A physician assistant earns more, at about $159,000 per year vs $152,000 for a optometrist — roughly 5% ($7,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in United States?
- A optometrist typically earns $111,000–$202,200, while a physician assistant earns $116,100–$211,500 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in United States?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a optometrist averages about $12,700 and a physician assistant about $13,300.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in United States, a optometrist earns about $111,000 while a physician assistant earns about $116,100 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in United States, a optometrist earns about $202,200 while a physician assistant earns about $211,500 per year.
- Are optometrist and physician assistant 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.