National Salary Overview
VS
Optometrists earns $768 more (0.6%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$129,588
$128,820
Average (Mean) Salary
$136,502
$136,460
Total Employment
39,900
77,350
States with Higher Pay
23
25
Salary by State: Optometrists vs Purchasing Managers
Showing 48 states where both occupations have BLS data. Optometrists pays more in 23 states; Purchasing Managers pays more in 25.
| State | Optometrists | Purchasing Managers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $117,900 | $124,130 | $-6,230 | ||
| Alaska | $155,230 | $107,380 | +$47,850 | ||
| Arizona | $133,500 | $134,800 | $-1,300 | ||
| Arkansas | $129,680 | $108,850 | +$20,830 | ||
| California | $134,020 | $153,510 | $-19,490 | ||
| Colorado | $136,900 | $153,980 | $-17,080 | ||
| Connecticut | $147,260 | $129,760 | +$17,500 | ||
| District of Columbia | $149,990 | $163,240 | $-13,250 | ||
| Florida | $125,480 | $131,740 | $-6,260 | ||
| Georgia | $119,900 | $131,670 | $-11,770 | ||
| Hawaii | $134,540 | $109,660 | +$24,880 | ||
| Idaho | $82,790 | $104,890 | $-22,100 | ||
| Illinois | $131,060 | $136,930 | $-5,870 | ||
| Indiana | $119,950 | $113,330 | +$6,620 | ||
| Iowa | $122,320 | $114,340 | +$7,980 | ||
| Kansas | $124,810 | $131,380 | $-6,570 | ||
| Kentucky | $130,210 | $109,990 | +$20,220 | ||
| Louisiana | $124,920 | $108,570 | +$16,350 | ||
| Maine | $134,220 | $128,010 | +$6,210 | ||
| Maryland | $163,510 | $145,600 | +$17,910 | ||
| Massachusetts | $144,920 | $154,760 | $-9,840 | ||
| Michigan | $128,680 | $134,970 | $-6,290 | ||
| Minnesota | $137,210 | $139,790 | $-2,580 | ||
| Mississippi | $105,530 | $101,240 | +$4,290 | ||
| Missouri | $98,800 | $135,720 | $-36,920 | ||
| Montana | $108,950 | $103,000 | +$5,950 | ||
| Nebraska | $123,970 | $124,190 | $-220 | ||
| Nevada | $118,040 | $104,380 | +$13,660 | ||
| New Hampshire | $129,720 | $140,290 | $-10,570 | ||
| New Jersey | $146,700 | $168,210 | $-21,510 | ||
| New Mexico | $155,060 | $131,600 | +$23,460 | ||
| New York | $157,480 | $165,930 | $-8,450 | ||
| North Carolina | $154,560 | $129,140 | +$25,420 | ||
| North Dakota | $127,200 | $134,400 | $-7,200 | ||
| Ohio | $126,650 | $128,500 | $-1,850 | ||
| Oklahoma | $97,670 | $106,730 | $-9,060 | ||
| Oregon | $132,200 | $126,330 | +$5,870 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $137,560 | $134,010 | +$3,550 | ||
| Rhode Island | $135,160 | $139,100 | $-3,940 | ||
| South Carolina | $124,190 | $113,110 | +$11,080 | ||
| South Dakota | $109,480 | $126,310 | $-16,830 | ||
| Tennessee | $107,510 | $122,270 | $-14,760 | ||
| Texas | $130,580 | $128,960 | +$1,620 | ||
| Utah | $121,250 | $119,370 | +$1,880 | ||
| Vermont | $137,890 | $96,110 | +$41,780 | ||
| Washington | $143,160 | $154,190 | $-11,030 | ||
| West Virginia | $139,080 | $132,350 | +$6,730 | ||
| Wisconsin | $136,630 | $121,880 | +$14,750 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Optometrists or Purchasing Managers?
On average across all states, a Optometrists earns more than a Purchasing Managers. The national median salary difference is $768 (0.6%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Optometrists earn more than a Purchasing Managers?
A Optometrists earns a higher median salary than a Purchasing Managers in 23 out of 48 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Purchasing Managers pays more in 25 states.
What is the median salary for a Optometrists vs Purchasing Managers?
The national median salary for a Optometrists is $129,588 per year, compared to $128,820 for a Purchasing Managers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Optometrists or Purchasing Managers?
There are more people employed as Purchasing Managers. BLS reports approximately 39,900 Optometrists positions and 77,350 Purchasing Managers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Optometrists or Purchasing Managers?
Both Optometrists and Purchasing Managers 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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