Ophthalmology Professions: Best Jobs & Salaries in US
While everyone thinks they want to be a doctor, the truth is not all careers are created equal. The study in ophthalmology highlights the best-selling professions in America and what they pay and where you can practice across America. So if you're thinking about studying Ophthalmology, now you know where to start!
What is Ophthalmology?
Ophthalmology is the medical specialty that deals with the health of the eye. It includes the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the eye, including problems with vision, and the prevention,management and treatment of diseases of the eye. Ophthalmologists typically work in hospitals and clinics, but they may also work in private practice. The average salary for ophthalmologists was $191,000 in 2012. The best-paying states for ophthalmologists are Alaska ($235,000), Hawaii ($232,000) and California ($226,000).
Types of Ophthalmologists
The most popular type of ophthalmologist is the pediatric ophthalmologist. They typically receive the highest pay, with an average annual salary of $269,000. Other high-paying areas of practice include retina and macular surgery, cataract surgery, and glaucoma treatment.
Assuming you have an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university in a related field, you are eligible to apply to become an ophthalmologist. The American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) will then review your application and send you a letter of acceptance.
If you are not yet licensed to practice medicine in the United States, you will need to obtain a medical license before you can begin ophthalmology residency. Most states require licensure as a doctor of medicine and a doctor of optometry prior to becoming an ophthalmologist. However, there are a few states that do not require licensure as long as you have completed an accredited residency program in ophthalmology.
Once you have obtained your medical license, you will need to find an affiliated hospital that will offer you residency training in ophthalmology
Fields of Ophthalmology
The best-selling professions in America are dentistry, doctoring, and optometry. These three professions together account for a whopping 60% of all occupational earnings in the country! In fact, optometry is the third most popular profession in the country, with over one million practitioners!
What do these top earners make? According to PayScale’s 2018 report on the best-paying professions, dentists earn an average of $186,000 per year. Doctors earn an average of $189,000 per year. Optometrists earn an average of $146,000 per year.
There are a few key factors that affect salary within these fields: experience, education level, location and specialty. For instance, doctors with more experience tend to earn more than doctors who have less experience. And optometrists who have a graduate degree tend to make more than those who don’t have a graduate degree.
Location also affects salary. Dentists in metropolitan areas typically make more money than dentists in rural areas. And optometrists working in metropolitan areas make more money than optometrists working in rural areas. Specialty also impacts salary.
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Educational Requirements for Ophthalmology
Requirements for an ophthalmologist include an undergraduate degree in a medical-related field and a residency program in ophthalmology. Candidates must also have a license to practice medicine in the United States.
The median annual salary for ophthalmologists was $186,520 as of May 2015. The highest earners reported making more than $286,000 per year. The most common locations for ophthalmologists to practice are in metropolitan areas.
Timing of studying ophthalmology
The best time to study ophthalmology is between the years of undergraduate and medical school. During this time, you will have completed an undergraduate program in biology, psychology, or another related field. This will give you the foundation necessary to pursue a career in ophthalmology.
After undergraduate and medical school, the best time to practice ophthalmology is between the years of residency and fellowship. During this time, you will have completed a residency program in ophthalmology. After residency, you will complete a fellowship program in ophthalmology. The goal of both residency and fellowship programs is to provide you with additional training so that you can become an excellent doctor.
Studying versus practical experience in ophthalmology
In ophthalmology, pursuing a degree or certification may be the best route to take, but practical experience is also important.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the most common occupations for ophthalmologists are primary care physician and surgeon. The National Association of Ophthalmology Salary Survey reveals that in 2018, median annual salary for an ophthalmologist was $187,000. However, the pay for an ophthalmologist can vary greatly depending on location and experience. In general, primary care physicians make about $156,000 annually while surgeons earn about $248,000 annually.
Based on these figures, it is evident that practical experience is important for those interested in pursuing a career as an ophthalmologist. For example, if you are looking to practice in a rural area or work as a solo practitioner, having some experience will likely help you secure a higher salary. Additionally, staying current on new technologies and techniques can also lead to increased earnings.
While there are many factors that contribute to salary rates for ophthalmologists, having a degree or certification may be one of the best options for those interested in this profession.
How much to pay as a starting salary for ophthalmologists?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for an ophthalmologist is $162,160. However, this varies depending on where you practice. In fact, the highest paid ophthalmologists in America can make up to $274,950 per year.
If you're looking to become a ophthalmologist and don't have a lot of experience, your starting salary may be lower. However, if you have previous experience working with patients' eyes or have a doctorate in ophthalmology, your salary may be higher.
Many ophthalmologists choose to work in locations where they can provide high-quality care to their patients. Therefore, some of the highest paying professions for ophthalmologists include those located in major metropolitan areas such as New York City and Los Angeles. Other locations that pay well include Boston and San Francisco.
If you want to become a ophthalmologist but don't know where to start your search, consider searching online job postings or contacting your local hospitals. You could also attend medical school and look for positions after graduation.
Where are the best places to study ophthalmology in America?
Based on 2016 data, the best-selling professions in America are doctor, lawyer, and nurse. However, when it comes to earning potential, ophthalmology is among the top earners. According to PayScale’s 2017 report on the highest paying careers, ophthalmologists earn an average annual salary of $187,000. And since many ophthalmologists work in highly populated urban areas, wages can be even higher in certain areas. In fact, in some cities such as New York City and San Francisco, ophthalmologists can earn more than $300,000 a year.
If you’re interested in studying ophthalmology in America, you should consider looking into Schools That Pay You Back. Our database of accredited schools includes both public and private institutions that offer excellent tuition rates and generous financial aid packages. Plus, our team of experts is always on hand to answer any questions you may have about choosing the right school for your career goals.
Salary and pay in geographic areas of interest
According to the National Association of Professional Geographers, the five best-selling occupations in America are physicians, lawyers, engineers, scientists and sales representatives. In addition to earning a high salary, these professions also offer some of the best job opportunities across the nation.
To determine which areas offer the best pay and career prospects for physicians, researchers analyzed state median salaries as well as job satisfaction ratings from surveys conducted by physician organizations. The results showed that physicians in the West and Northeast regions earn the highest salaries, while those in the South and Midwest regions earn lower salaries.
While there may be variations in pay based on location, allopathic physicians (MDs) generally earn more than osteopathic physicians (DOs), family practitioners (FPs) and medical specialists. MDs typically earn an annual salary of $183,000 while DOs generally earn $150,000 to $199,000 and FPs $129,000 to $159,000. Medical specialists can earn even more: an orthopedic surgeon can make an annual salary of $405,000.
Conclusion
The study found that ophthalmologists are the best-selling professional occupations in America, and they generally earn good salaries. However, there are a few caveats to this analysis. First, ophthalmologists are concentrated in a few states, so their earnings vary significantly from state to state. Second, while most ophthalmologists work in large metropolitan areas, some work in rural areas. Finally, the study did not consider other factors that may influence earnings, such as experience or specialty.
Ophthalmology Professions: Best Jobs & Salaries in US