National Salary Overview
VS
Optometrists earns $2,427 more (1.9%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$129,588
$127,161
Average (Mean) Salary
$136,502
$133,521
Total Employment
39,900
19,770
States with Higher Pay
13
12
Salary by State: Optometrists vs Petroleum Engineers
Showing 25 states where both occupations have BLS data. Optometrists pays more in 13 states; Petroleum Engineers pays more in 12.
| State | Optometrists | Petroleum Engineers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $155,230 | $134,750 | +$20,480 | ||
| Arizona | $133,500 | $143,520 | $-10,020 | ||
| Arkansas | $129,680 | $91,180 | +$38,500 | ||
| California | $134,020 | $134,330 | $-310 | ||
| Colorado | $136,900 | $170,010 | $-33,110 | ||
| Florida | $125,480 | $153,530 | $-28,050 | ||
| Illinois | $131,060 | $136,190 | $-5,130 | ||
| Kansas | $124,810 | $116,280 | +$8,530 | ||
| Louisiana | $124,920 | $136,950 | $-12,030 | ||
| Michigan | $128,680 | $108,520 | +$20,160 | ||
| Minnesota | $137,210 | $160,420 | $-23,210 | ||
| Montana | $108,950 | $99,220 | +$9,730 | ||
| Nebraska | $123,970 | $95,590 | +$28,380 | ||
| New Jersey | $146,700 | $212,230 | $-65,530 | ||
| New Mexico | $155,060 | $128,070 | +$26,990 | ||
| North Dakota | $127,200 | $131,260 | $-4,060 | ||
| Ohio | $126,650 | $104,140 | +$22,510 | ||
| Oklahoma | $97,670 | $132,360 | $-34,690 | ||
| Oregon | $132,200 | $124,170 | +$8,030 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $137,560 | $85,810 | +$51,750 | ||
| Texas | $130,580 | $147,840 | $-17,260 | ||
| Utah | $121,250 | $103,650 | +$17,600 | ||
| Washington | $143,160 | $130,600 | +$12,560 | ||
| West Virginia | $139,080 | $93,810 | +$45,270 | ||
| Wyoming | $104,390 | $121,130 | $-16,740 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Optometrists or Petroleum Engineers?
On average across all states, a Optometrists earns more than a Petroleum Engineers. The national median salary difference is $2,427 (1.9%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Optometrists earn more than a Petroleum Engineers?
A Optometrists earns a higher median salary than a Petroleum Engineers in 13 out of 25 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Petroleum Engineers pays more in 12 states.
What is the median salary for a Optometrists vs Petroleum Engineers?
The national median salary for a Optometrists is $129,588 per year, compared to $127,161 for a Petroleum Engineers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Optometrists or Petroleum Engineers?
There are more people employed as Optometrists. BLS reports approximately 39,900 Optometrists positions and 19,770 Petroleum Engineers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Optometrists or Petroleum Engineers?
Both Optometrists and Petroleum Engineers 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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