National Salary Overview
VS
Chief Executives earns $43,646 more (33.7%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$173,235
$129,588
Average (Mean) Salary
$223,504
$136,502
Total Employment
128,370
39,900
States with Higher Pay
31
3
Salary by State: Chief Executives vs Optometrists
Showing 34 states where both occupations have BLS data. Chief Executives pays more in 31 states; Optometrists pays more in 3.
| State | Chief Executives | Optometrists | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $165,320 | $117,900 | +$47,420 | ||
| Alaska | $156,610 | $155,230 | +$1,380 | ||
| Arkansas | $126,010 | $129,680 | $-3,670 | ||
| California | $231,080 | $134,020 | +$97,060 | ||
| Colorado | $179,900 | $136,900 | +$43,000 | ||
| Delaware | $168,280 | $141,020 | +$27,260 | ||
| District of Columbia | $206,690 | $149,990 | +$56,700 | ||
| Florida | $197,060 | $125,480 | +$71,580 | ||
| Georgia | $212,560 | $119,900 | +$92,660 | ||
| Hawaii | $223,900 | $134,540 | +$89,360 | ||
| Idaho | $218,220 | $82,790 | +$135,430 | ||
| Indiana | $207,610 | $119,950 | +$87,660 | ||
| Iowa | $136,650 | $122,320 | +$14,330 | ||
| Kansas | $148,910 | $124,810 | +$24,100 | ||
| Kentucky | $171,990 | $130,210 | +$41,780 | ||
| Louisiana | $158,180 | $124,920 | +$33,260 | ||
| Maine | $119,410 | $134,220 | $-14,810 | ||
| Minnesota | $192,230 | $137,210 | +$55,020 | ||
| Mississippi | $122,740 | $105,530 | +$17,210 | ||
| Missouri | $141,550 | $98,800 | +$42,750 | ||
| Montana | $172,240 | $108,950 | +$63,290 | ||
| Nebraska | $194,080 | $123,970 | +$70,110 | ||
| New Hampshire | $129,010 | $129,720 | $-710 | ||
| New York | $212,960 | $157,480 | +$55,480 | ||
| Ohio | $175,930 | $126,650 | +$49,280 | ||
| Oklahoma | $128,230 | $97,670 | +$30,560 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $200,560 | $137,560 | +$63,000 | ||
| South Carolina | $186,800 | $124,190 | +$62,610 | ||
| Tennessee | $171,940 | $107,510 | +$64,430 | ||
| Utah | $161,140 | $121,250 | +$39,890 | ||
| Vermont | $157,370 | $137,890 | +$19,480 | ||
| West Virginia | $172,090 | $139,080 | +$33,010 | ||
| Wisconsin | $206,810 | $136,630 | +$70,180 | ||
| Wyoming | $135,940 | $104,390 | +$31,550 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Chief Executives or Optometrists?
On average across all states, a Chief Executives earns more than a Optometrists. The national median salary difference is $43,646 (33.7%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Chief Executives earn more than a Optometrists?
A Chief Executives earns a higher median salary than a Optometrists in 31 out of 34 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Optometrists pays more in 3 states.
What is the median salary for a Chief Executives vs Optometrists?
The national median salary for a Chief Executives is $173,235 per year, compared to $129,588 for a Optometrists, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Chief Executives or Optometrists?
There are more people employed as Chief Executives. BLS reports approximately 128,370 Chief Executives positions and 39,900 Optometrists positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Chief Executives or Optometrists?
Both Chief Executives 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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