Did you know…. You can earn about 10x to 15x more in Australia as an optometrist. Australia is one of the best destinations for optometrists. If you want a secure, globally recognized and successful career, Australia is the place for you.
But one question often asked by graduates and international professionals is: How much do optometrists actually earn in Australia?
This article gives you a comprehensive breakdown of optometrist salaries in 2025. From average pay scales to differences across states, cities, and levels of experience, you’ll get a complete picture of what to expect.
Average Optometrist Salary in Australia
The average salary for optometrists in Australia is around AUD 97,736 per year. Converted to Indian Rupees (INR), this translates roughly to ₹55 lakh annually.
Optometrist Salary by Australian States
Salaries differ from state to state, with the Northern Territory and South Australia offering higher averages than Victoria or the ACT.
Optometrist Salary by Cities and Regions
If you zoom in further, you’ll notice that certain regional cities and remote areas offer even more attractive packages. Employers in these areas often pay higher salaries as incentives to professionals willing to relocate.
Insight: Regional centres like Rockhampton, Cairns, and Mt Gambier pay significantly above the national average, making them excellent options for professionals who don’t mind moving outside capital cities.
Salary by Experience Level
Like most healthcare professions, optometrist salaries increase steadily with experience.
Graduates often start around AUD 80,000–90,000, especially in metropolitan corporate settings. However, those who are open to regional practice may start higher, sometimes at AUD 110,000 or more. Senior professionals in rural areas or private practices can command significantly higher pay.
Metro vs Regional Salary Differences
The data makes one thing clear: location plays a big role in salary levels.
Metropolitan areas (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane): Salaries are steady but capped, typically between AUD 95,000–120,000.
Regional and rural areas: Salaries can be 10–30% higher than metro areas, reflecting the challenge of attracting healthcare workers. For example, an optometrist in Cairns may earn up to AUD 137,500 compared to AUD 115,000 in Sydney.
Incentives: Some employers in rural zones offer relocation packages, sign-on bonuses, and housing allowances on top of base salary.
Other Benefits and Perks
Along with attractive pay, optometrists in Australia often enjoy:
Work-life balance: Unlike some medical specialties, optometry usually involves fixed working hours.
Professional demand: With an ageing population and increased screen time, eye care demand continues to rise.
Career flexibility: Options to work in corporate chains, independent practices, hospitals, or academia.
Job security: Optometry is listed among Australia’s in-demand healthcare roles, offering stable employment.
So, how much do optometrists earn in Australia? On average, between AUD 105,000 and AUD 115,000 annually — but with regional roles and private practice ownership, this figure can rise dramatically.
Capital city professionals can expect steady salaries with strong job security.
Regional optometrists often earn significantly more, with the added bonus of lifestyle benefits in smaller communities.
Practice owners hold the greatest financial upside, though with higher responsibilities.
For anyone considering optometry as a career, or thinking of moving to Australia for work, the profession offers not just financial rewards but also long-term career stability and opportunities for growth.