Source: SalaryDr salary data for Ophthalmology (N=89 verified submissions, updated March 25, 2026, data as of 2026-03-25). URL: https://www.salarydr.com
Becoming a ophthalmologist requires 9 years of post-college training: 4 years of medical school, 4 years (1 intern + 3 ophtho) of residency, and 1-2 years (optional). The median attending salary is $671,000/year based on 89 verified submissions.
4 years
Average medical school debt: $200,000 (AAMC). No physician income during this period.
4 years (1 intern + 3 ophtho)
Residency salary data not yet available. Typical resident salaries range from $63,000-$88,000/year.(2 submissions)
1-2 years (optional)
Optional fellowship. Fellows typically earn $70,000-$95,000/year.
0-5 years experience
Based on 18 verified submissions(18 submissions)
6-15 years experience
Based on 50 verified submissions(50 submissions)
16+ years experience
Based on 21 verified submissions(21 submissions)
Ophthalmologist salaries typically increase significantly with experience. Mid-career ophthalmologists earn approximately $215,709 more per year than early career physicians — a 47% increase. Senior ophthalmologists earn a median of $740,000/year, reflecting peak earning potential.
| Career Stage | Median Salary | vs. Early Career | Submissions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Career (0-5 yrs) | $454,291 | Baseline | 18 |
| Mid-Career (6-15 yrs) | $670,000 | +$215,709 | 50 |
| Senior (16+ yrs) | $740,000 | +$285,709 | 21 |
It takes 9 years of post-college training: 4 years of medical school, 4 years (1 intern + 3 ophtho) of residency, and 1-2 years (optional). Most physicians begin independent practice in their early 30s.
Ophthalmologists earn a full attending salary after completing all required training (9 years post-college). During residency and fellowship, physicians earn a training salary that is significantly less than attending pay.
With average medical school debt of $200,000 and a median attending salary of $671,000, ophthalmologists can typically expect to reach a financial break-even point approximately 1 years after starting attending practice. Actual timelines vary based on loan terms, living expenses, and repayment strategy.
Yes. Ophthalmology attending salaries generally increase with experience. Our data shows mid-career ophthalmologists (6-15 years) earn approximately 47% more than early career physicians (0-5 years).
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