National Salary Overview
VS
Sales Managers earns $2,679 more (2.1%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$129,588
$132,268
Average (Mean) Salary
$136,502
$149,870
Total Employment
39,900
572,710
States with Higher Pay
26
24
Salary by State: Optometrists vs Sales Managers
Showing 50 states where both occupations have BLS data. Optometrists pays more in 26 states; Sales Managers pays more in 24.
| State | Optometrists | Sales Managers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $117,900 | $117,750 | +$150 | ||
| Alaska | $155,230 | $93,050 | +$62,180 | ||
| Arizona | $133,500 | $122,880 | +$10,620 | ||
| Arkansas | $129,680 | $121,820 | +$7,860 | ||
| California | $134,020 | $131,740 | +$2,280 | ||
| Colorado | $136,900 | $176,700 | $-39,800 | ||
| Connecticut | $147,260 | $135,920 | +$11,340 | ||
| Delaware | $141,020 | $186,120 | $-45,100 | ||
| District of Columbia | $149,990 | $138,680 | +$11,310 | ||
| Florida | $125,480 | $128,810 | $-3,330 | ||
| Georgia | $119,900 | $141,720 | $-21,820 | ||
| Hawaii | $134,540 | $117,680 | +$16,860 | ||
| Idaho | $82,790 | $109,530 | $-26,740 | ||
| Illinois | $131,060 | $135,680 | $-4,620 | ||
| Indiana | $119,950 | $117,500 | +$2,450 | ||
| Iowa | $122,320 | $129,080 | $-6,760 | ||
| Kansas | $124,810 | $147,800 | $-22,990 | ||
| Kentucky | $130,210 | $109,300 | +$20,910 | ||
| Louisiana | $124,920 | $107,340 | +$17,580 | ||
| Maine | $134,220 | $100,400 | +$33,820 | ||
| Maryland | $163,510 | $125,600 | +$37,910 | ||
| Massachusetts | $144,920 | $156,360 | $-11,440 | ||
| Michigan | $128,680 | $141,620 | $-12,940 | ||
| Minnesota | $137,210 | $134,290 | +$2,920 | ||
| Mississippi | $105,530 | $107,750 | $-2,220 | ||
| Missouri | $98,800 | $111,400 | $-12,600 | ||
| Montana | $108,950 | $120,820 | $-11,870 | ||
| Nebraska | $123,970 | $116,470 | +$7,500 | ||
| Nevada | $118,040 | $103,000 | +$15,040 | ||
| New Hampshire | $129,720 | $145,000 | $-15,280 | ||
| New Jersey | $146,700 | $170,690 | $-23,990 | ||
| New Mexico | $155,060 | $105,010 | +$50,050 | ||
| New York | $157,480 | $214,010 | $-56,530 | ||
| North Carolina | $154,560 | $125,270 | +$29,290 | ||
| North Dakota | $127,200 | $119,960 | +$7,240 | ||
| Ohio | $126,650 | $134,440 | $-7,790 | ||
| Oklahoma | $97,670 | $122,000 | $-24,330 | ||
| Oregon | $132,200 | $125,890 | +$6,310 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $137,560 | $130,600 | +$6,960 | ||
| Rhode Island | $135,160 | $158,600 | $-23,440 | ||
| South Carolina | $124,190 | $122,820 | +$1,370 | ||
| South Dakota | $109,480 | $161,470 | $-51,990 | ||
| Tennessee | $107,510 | $132,830 | $-25,320 | ||
| Texas | $130,580 | $127,560 | +$3,020 | ||
| Utah | $121,250 | $130,220 | $-8,970 | ||
| Vermont | $137,890 | $129,280 | +$8,610 | ||
| Washington | $143,160 | $169,680 | $-26,520 | ||
| West Virginia | $139,080 | $103,870 | +$35,210 | ||
| Wisconsin | $136,630 | $134,120 | +$2,510 | ||
| Wyoming | $104,390 | $137,560 | $-33,170 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Optometrists or Sales Managers?
On average across all states, a Sales Managers earns more than a Optometrists. The national median salary difference is $2,679 (2.1%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Optometrists earn more than a Sales Managers?
A Optometrists earns a higher median salary than a Sales Managers in 26 out of 50 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Sales Managers pays more in 24 states.
What is the median salary for a Optometrists vs Sales Managers?
The national median salary for a Optometrists is $129,588 per year, compared to $132,268 for a Sales Managers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Optometrists or Sales Managers?
There are more people employed as Sales Managers. BLS reports approximately 39,900 Optometrists positions and 572,710 Sales Managers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Optometrists or Sales Managers?
Both Optometrists and Sales 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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