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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Optometrists salary in New Orleans, Louisiana

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the New Orleans metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$126,710
Mean annual$143,220
Range (10th to 90th)$49,370 to $214,460
New Orleans, Louisiana employment—
State vs national-3.9% vs national

Salary distribution

Where New Orleans optometrists fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$49,37025TH$113,030MEDIAN$126,71075TH$165,32090TH$214,460

The middle 50% of workers earn between $113,030 and $165,320, with a median of $126,710.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Doctoral or professional degree

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Medicine and Dentistry

    Knowledge

    4.8 / 5

  • Biology

    Knowledge

    4.5 / 5

  • Customer and Personal Service

    Knowledge

    4.4 / 5

  • Reading Comprehension

    Basic skill

    4.1 / 5

  • Active Listening

    Basic skill

    4.1 / 5

  • Critical Thinking

    Cross-functional

    4.1 / 5

  • Oral Expression

    Ability

    4.1 / 5

  • Problem Sensitivity

    Ability

    4.1 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Examine eyes, using observation, instruments, and pharmaceutical agents, to determine visual acuity and perception, focus, and coordination and to diagnose diseases and other abnormalities, such as glaucoma or color blindness.

  2. 02

    Analyze test results and develop a treatment plan.

  3. 03

    Prescribe, supply, fit and adjust eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision aids.

  4. 04

    Prescribe medications to treat eye diseases if state laws permit.

  5. 05

    Educate and counsel patients on contact lens care, visual hygiene, lighting arrangements, and safety factors.

  6. 06

    Remove foreign bodies from the eye.

  7. 07

    Provide patients undergoing eye surgeries, such as cataract and laser vision correction, with pre- and post-operative care.

  8. 08

    Consult with and refer patients to ophthalmologist or other health care practitioner if additional medical treatment is determined necessary.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Optometrists in New Orleans, Louisiana?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Optometrists in the New Orleans metropolitan area is $126,710.
Does New Orleans pay more than the Louisiana state average for Optometrists?
The New Orleans metro median is +5.5% versus the Louisiana state median of $120,080.
How does New Orleans compare to the national median for Optometrists?
The New Orleans metro median is -3.9% versus the BLS national figure of $131,844.
What is the salary range for Optometrists in New Orleans?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $49,370 and the 90th-percentile at $214,460 for the New Orleans metro area.
What education is required for Optometrists?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Doctoral or professional degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the New Orleans CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.