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Architectural and Engineering Managers vs Optometrists: Salary Comparison

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025).

National Salary Overview

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Median Salary
$166,075
Average (Mean)
$172,301
Employed Nationwide
216,520
VS

Optometrists

Median Salary
$136,108
Average (Mean)
$138,787
Employed Nationwide
42,810
Architectural and Engineering Managers earns $29,967 more (22.0%)
Architectural and Engineering Managers vs Optometrists national median (BLS 2025)Ranked horizontal bars comparing 2 entries.Architectural and Engineering ManagersArchitectural and Engineerin…Architectural and Engineering Managers: $166,076$166,076OptometristsOptometristsOptometrists: $136,108$136,108

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $166,075 $136,108
Average (Mean) Salary $172,301 $138,787
Total Employment 216,520 42,810
States with Higher Pay 48 3

Salary by State: Architectural and Engineering Managers vs Optometrists

Showing 51 states where both occupations have BLS data. Architectural and Engineering Managers pays more in 48 states; Optometrists pays more in 3.

State Architectural and Engineering Managers Optometrists Difference
Alabama $162,350
$145,090
+$17,260
Alaska $164,260
$170,310
$-6,050
Arizona $167,480
$122,250
+$45,230
Arkansas $140,600
$124,470
+$16,130
California $210,280
$136,300
+$73,980
Colorado $183,810
$152,000
+$31,810
Connecticut $175,490
$150,340
+$25,150
Delaware $181,190
$161,270
+$19,920
District of Columbia $185,220
$134,840
+$50,380
Florida $170,740
$151,670
+$19,070
Georgia $161,470
$128,830
+$32,640
Hawaii $151,670
$154,620
$-2,950
Idaho $162,970
$103,390
+$59,580
Illinois $163,610
$145,620
+$17,990
Indiana $155,810
$135,500
+$20,310
Iowa $147,320
$125,380
+$21,940
Kansas $160,150
$138,580
+$21,570
Kentucky $147,680
$128,860
+$18,820
Louisiana $162,850
$118,060
+$44,790
Maine $145,720
$154,110
$-8,390
Maryland $172,670
$165,840
+$6,830
Massachusetts $201,430
$151,730
+$49,700
Michigan $166,930
$135,650
+$31,280
Minnesota $172,130
$158,700
+$13,430
Mississippi $142,790
$108,070
+$34,720
Missouri $157,800
$133,810
+$23,990
Montana $146,030
$104,280
+$41,750
Nebraska $141,020
$125,040
+$15,980
Nevada $161,560
$135,650
+$25,910
New Hampshire $172,240
$125,560
+$46,680
New Jersey $180,640
$159,040
+$21,600
New Mexico $215,120
$144,660
+$70,460
New York $175,710
$161,140
+$14,570
North Carolina $167,840
$161,560
+$6,280
North Dakota $147,400
$132,110
+$15,290
Ohio $166,870
$134,850
+$32,020
Oklahoma $157,330
$97,350
+$59,980
Oregon $177,190
$132,020
+$45,170
Pennsylvania $164,690
$135,400
+$29,290
Rhode Island $175,910
$134,520
+$41,390
South Carolina $169,040
$145,950
+$23,090
South Dakota $164,330
$102,320
+$62,010
Tennessee $161,430
$134,170
+$27,260
Texas $171,370
$126,000
+$45,370
Utah $161,120
$119,070
+$42,050
Vermont $157,710
$137,290
+$20,420
Virginia $176,160
$131,570
+$44,590
Washington $189,680
$157,560
+$32,120
West Virginia $149,430
$118,010
+$31,420
Wisconsin $142,060
$139,720
+$2,340
Wyoming $163,560
$111,400
+$52,160

Explore This Comparison by State

Dive deeper — see how Architectural and Engineering Managers vs Optometrists salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Architectural and Engineering Managers or Optometrists?
On average across all states, a Architectural and Engineering Managers earns more than a Optometrists. The national median salary difference is $29,967 (22.0%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Architectural and Engineering Managers earn more than a Optometrists?
A Architectural and Engineering Managers earns a higher median salary than a Optometrists in 48 out of 51 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Optometrists pays more in 3 states.
What is the median salary for a Architectural and Engineering Managers vs Optometrists?
The national median salary for a Architectural and Engineering Managers is $166,075 per year, compared to $136,108 for a Optometrists, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Architectural and Engineering Managers or Optometrists?
There are more people employed as Architectural and Engineering Managers. BLS reports approximately 216,520 Architectural and Engineering Managers positions and 42,810 Optometrists positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Architectural and Engineering Managers or Optometrists?
Both Architectural and Engineering Managers and Optometrists are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.

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