Both the median salary for optometrists as well as the average salary for optometrists in 2012 was higher for those who work for chain stores compared to independents, according to the 2013 ECP Compensation Study, produced by Jobson Optical Research in conjunction with Local Eye Site. The median salary for optometrists working in chain stores was 11.2 percent higher than that for independent optometrists, while the average salary was 14.7 percent higher for chain optometrists compared to independents, according to the report.


Independent (Single location or group of 2 or 3 locations with same store name or same owner)

Chains defined as a grouping of:

  • Group of 4 to 10 locations
  • Conventional Chain (More than 10 locations, not Mass Merchandiser, Wholesale Club or Department Store)
  • Mass Merchandiser (such as Wal-Mart)
  • Wholesale Club (such as Sam’s or Costco)
  • Department Store (such as Sears or JC Penney)