Optometrist Salary Australia: New Pay, Growth & More 2025

Optometrist salary Australia continues to draw a lot of interest due to high demand and steady increase in salary trends in the healthcare industry. With Australia in dire need of more eyecare professionals and optometrists salary in Australia growing in the double-digits, there is no better time to think about optometry as a career. Based on the most recent workforce reports, government data, and job market research, this all-encompassing guide will break down the entire earnings, career advancement, and future outlook of optometrists in 2025 and beyond.

What is the Current Breakdown for Optometrist Salary Australia in 2025?

An Optometrist salary Australia has been rising steeply, with the base average moving to AUD $104,000 this year. This number is subjective depending on experience, region of work, workplace setting, and the employer. Salaries at the entry levels usually begin around AUD $75,000 to around AUD $85,000 and continue to increase as the career advances up the mid and senior levels.

The highest paid individuals in private practices or professionals with a specialist qualification, e.g., pediatric optometry or low vision rehabilitation, are able to earn between AUD 150,000 and AUD 309,000, often more.

2025 Salary Data Table: Optometrists in Australia

Many optometrists receive allowances, bonuses, and profit-sharing depending on location, experience, and work arrangement.

Entry-Level Optometrist Salaries in Australia

New workers entering the profession as a trainee optometrist can expect to receive between AUD 75,000 and 85,000 per year, and regular internship rates were AUD 38-41 per hour in 2025. The base hourly rate of an optometrist salary Australia is still very competitive compared to other allied health specialists, especially in remote and regional locations where benefits might include additional allowances such as relocation and housing, as well as covering professional development costs.

In cities such as Sydney and Melbourne, the initial optometrist salary Australia is usually a little below the regional opportunities, but it offers more access to continuing education opportunities and mentorship.

• Things that influence entry salaries

• University and its degree (Master's of Vision Science, Doctor of Optometry)

• Completion of an internship or supervised practice

• Whereabouts (city, regional, or remote)

• Type of workplace (government, retail, and private jobs)

Experienced Optometrists Salary in Australia

The optometrist salary Australia is the highest, with a rate of above 6 years of experience in practice and specialisation, including experienced optometrists who have up to 5 years of experience in the industry. Optometrist salary Australia fall in the range of 110,000 - 155,000, and more advanced clinical skills (e.g. contact lens fitting, vision therapy, pediatric optometry) will earn even higher pay. The average incomes of business owners and practice partners are reported to be above or about 200,000.

Also Read: Average Salary in Australia Per Month: Latest Figures

Optometrist Regional Salary Variations Across Australia in 2025

Optometrists in Australia earn quite different salaries based on their postcode. Regional practitioners enjoy higher base salaries, government incentives, and in some cases, subsidised housing or travel allowances.

Sydney vs Melbourne vs Brisbane Optometrist Salaries

The high salaries paid by major cities to optometrists vary depending on the amount of market demand, the level of investment in eye care, and the number of clinics. The average salaries in Sydney range from AUD $99,000. Melbourne is a bit higher, at $102,000, and Brisbane leads all with an average of $106,000. The analysis of the job market demonstrates that, when it comes to Brisbane, owning a clinic and its resulting demands are backgrounds that result in seniority and increased income.

Rural and Regional Optometrist Earning Opportunities

Moving to work as a rural optometrist in Australia has the potential to increase your earning potential twice. Regional governments provide a lot of incentives, including sign-on bonuses and subsidised practitioner development to address recurring shortages. It is something very appealing to new graduates and practitioners in search of optometrist positions in Australia with attractive optometrist wages and salary rates.

• Positives of rural/regional optometry:

• Up to 50 percent more basic pay than metro clinics

• Housing, relocation, and travel assistance

• Dedicated professional development funding

• Reputation in the community and independence of profession

Also Read: Australia PR Invitation Rounds: Trusted Expert Analysis

What are the Factors Affecting the Optometrist's Salary in Australia 2025?

Several variables impact how much you earn as an optometrists salary in Australia throughout your career.

• Qualifications (Bachelor vs. Doctorate)

• Specialisation credentials (pediatric, vision rehab, contact lenses)

• Work environment (private practice, retail chain, hospital)

• Location (urban, suburban, rural)

• Employment type (full-time, part-time, contractor)

• Business ownership or partnership

• Negotiation skills

• Continuing professional development

Educational Qualifications and Salary Impact

In general, a Doctor of Optometry's wage has a brighter remuneration base than a bachelor's degree. Further postgraduate diplomas in special practice push up the salaries further. Indicatively, pediatric optometry or the low vision rehabilitation specialist professionals enjoy a premium of between 15-30 percent above the optometrist average salary in Australia.

Such institutions as the University of Melbourne or UNSW are a priority, the graduates of which have higher statistics on placement and average salaries.

Work Environment and Employment Type Effects

Salary can vary significantly by work environment. Private practices and business owner-partnerships pay the highest, averaging $130,000-$309,000. Retail chain optometrists typically report earnings between $85,000 and $129,000. Hospitals and research roles offer moderate salaries but come with extra perks and professional development pathways.

Also Read: How to Go to Australia from India for a Job? Experts Guide

Optometry Career Growth and Salary Progression in Australia 2025

Optometry offers clear pathways for career development, specialisation, and salary growth. As demand for eye care rises, professionals have more options for specialising and increasing their income. Career progression steps:

1. Graduate Optometrist

2. Clinical Optometrist (Associate)

3. Senior Clinical/Lead Optometrist

4. Practice Owner/Partner

5. Specialist Consultant

Specialization Opportunities and Premium Salaries

Specialising in high-demand fields can significantly boost your optometrist salary Australia. Roles in pediatric optometry, vision therapy, contact lens fitting, and low vision rehabilitation are the most lucrative.

• Pediatric Optometry: $170,000–$225,000+

• Contact Lens Specialist: $160,000–$210,000+

• Low Vision Rehab: $150,000–$200,000+

• Vision Therapy Specialist: $155,000–$210,000+

Optometrist Job Market Outlook Australia 2025

According to workforce research, the demand for optometrists is expected to grow by 11 percent over the next five years. Optometry is a listed priority skill under the Australia migration program, and shortages are likely to occur in the coming decade in the region. There is a backlog of more than 1100 new optometrists required in the next 26 years to satisfy the eye care requirements in the country.

Industry Growth Projections and Salary Implications

As the industry expands, optometrist salary Australia is expected to continue growing, especially in underserved regions and advanced specialties. Government support, migration initiatives, and new technologies will make the profession more appealing and financially rewarding.

Also Read: Why Choose Australia Over Other Countries? 6 Top Reasons

How to Maximize Your Optometrist Salary in Australia

Here are the proven tips to increase optometrist salary in Australia:

• That is to negotiate a landing salary and bonuses every time you change jobs.

• Add other qualifications and certifications.

• Search the rural/regional jobs to obtain additional financial security

• Higher earnings are possible in cases of owning a business or being in practice

• Seek out government grants and funding for professional development

• Keep abreast of market trends and government programs within the healthcare environment

Professional Development and Continuing Education Impact

Investing in continuing education is one of the best ways to maximise your optometrist salary Australia. ROI for extra credentials often reaches 20-30% higher salary rates within two years. Popular options include postgraduate diplomas, research fellowships, and certification in advanced clinical specialties.

• More skills = more job offers

• Advanced credentials unlock senior and specialist roles

Latest News & Facts About Optometrist Salary Australia 2025

Here are the latest facts and news about optometrist salary in australia:

• It requires more than 1,100 additional optometrists in Australia by 2042, as reported in the existing workforce reports, according to the latest workforce reports.

• Projected 11 percent job growth in the next 5 years - one of the highest growth healthcare sectors

• Mean salaries of optometrists improved by 13 percent y/y in 2020-21

• Salaries. In some regions, regional optometrists earn up to 50 percent more than metropolitan optometrists do

• Optometrists are now on the priority skilled migration list for 2025 in Australia

• There are 9,300 optometrists in Australia at present, and this figure is projected to increase by 2028 by 15.9 percent

• Optometrists in private practice earn much more than retail-chain practitioners have the potential to earn

Conclusion

Optometrist salary Australia offers attractive earnings, rapid career growth, and excellent prospects for 2025 and beyond. Whether you’re just starting or aiming to specialise, the current market, government incentives, and migration policies ensure this career remains in high demand.

Take advantage of geographic salary gaps, additional qualifications, and industry growth for maximum lifetime earnings and professional satisfaction. For official optometrist salary and career data, visit Jobs and Skills Australia. To know more about Optometrist salary in Australia visit TerraTern now!