Healthcare · United Kingdom

Optometrist Salary in United Kingdom

The United Kingdom median is $192,318 per year, with observed city pay up to London at $150,333.

Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is GBP). FX as of Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies

Optometrist pay in United Kingdom: London leads, Leeds trails

The United Kingdom national median for a optometrist is £142,000 a year. Among 7 metros with observed data, pay runs from about £67,800 in Leeds to £111,000 in London (1.6×).

Optometrists examine eyes, diagnose vision problems, and prescribe corrective lenses. Common screening skills include Eye exams, Diagnosis, Optics, and Patient care.

A modeled national band runs about £103,700–£188,900 around that midpoint. Skilled Worker sponsorship and occupation going-rates matter as much as the ranking. Employment outlook for the occupation is sketched at +9% over a decade — a national demand guess, not a hiring guarantee in every British city.

London sits -22% vs the national median; Leeds sits -52%. Relocating inside United Kingdom for this title can move cash more than a small raise at the same desk. Open a city page for take-home and rent context — this national page is the map, not the offer.

United Kingdom shows about 3.9% CPI in 2025. A optometrist raise that trails inflation is a real-pay cut even if it still beats last year’s peers. This occupation is also covered in 39 other countries — useful for remote or relocation shortlists, after FX and local tax. Nearby healthcare titles on this site include Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician, and Pharmacist.

How to use Optometrist pay data in United Kingdom

Start with the national median (£142,000), then pick the metro where you would actually work. Observed city rows below are stronger than a pay-index guess. If your city is missing, stay on this page for the country figure and check the United Kingdom hub for other careers.

Convert gross through the salary calculator before comparing two cities — tax and rent often reorder a cash ranking. Figures are estimates for research, not employer bands.

National band vs top metro

National sketch: £103,700 (10th) → £142,000 (median) → £188,900 (90th). London’s observed median is £111,000, with a local band about £78,600–£157,000. If an offer is “at the United Kingdom median” but the job is in London, you may still be under local market.

National median
$192,318
per year
Monthly (national)
$15,981
per month, before tax
Highest-paying city
$150,333
London, England
Hourly (national)
$92.46
varies by city

Optometrist salary by city in United Kingdom

Cities below have observed metro percentiles for this role. Prefer these over national-only estimates when you are relocating to a specific market.

CityPer year
London, England$150,333
Bristol, England$103,608
Edinburgh, Scotland$102,525
Manchester, England$99,410
Birmingham, England$96,295
Glasgow, Scotland$92,502
Leeds, England$91,825

Optometrist salary in other countries

Related Healthcare salaries in United Kingdom

Frequently asked questions

How much does a optometrist make in United Kingdom?
The national median is about £142,000 per year. Across 7 observed cities, pay ranges from about £67,800 to £111,000.
Which United Kingdom city pays optometrists the most?
London, England leads observed metros at about £111,000 per year (-22% vs national).
Which United Kingdom city pays optometrists the least?
Among observed cities, Leeds, England is on the lower end at about £67,800 per year.
How many United Kingdom cities have optometrist salary data?
7 metros list observed optometrist percentiles in GBP on this site.
Is optometrist in demand in United Kingdom?
Occupation-level employment is projected at about +9% over ten years. Local hiring still follows British industry mix.