How to become ophthalmologists, except pediatriceducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Healthcare Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$300,080
25th–75th pct. $173,650–$421,530
Top pay (est.)
$636,600
Top 10% $489,710
Pay in 5 years
$350,200est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$408,700est.
$351,500–$474,500
Outlook score
64/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
35%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
+4.5%
200 openings / yr

How to become ophthalmologists, except pediatric

Typical education
Doctoral or professional degree
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Internship/residency

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric

Key skills

Reading Comprehension
5.6
Critical Thinking
4.9
Active Listening
4.8
Instructing
4.6
Active Learning
4.2
Social Perceptiveness
4.1
Speaking
4.1
Complex Problem Solving
4.1

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Medicine and Dentistry
6.1
Customer and Personal Service
5.2
English Language
5.0
Education and Training
5.0
Mathematics
4.1
Biology
4.1
Computers and Electronics
4.0
Administration and Management
3.8

What the work involves

Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsProcessing InformationAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeAssisting and Caring for OthersDocumenting/Recording InformationProviding Consultation and Advice to Others

Important abilities

Problem SensitivityInductive ReasoningNear VisionOral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionOral Expression

Education of workers

Doctoral degree
20%
Professional degree
14%
Post-bachelor's certificate
14%
Post-secondary certificate
10%

Training before entry

1–3 months
24%
Up to 1 month
24%
None / short demo
15%
4–10 years
13%
2–4 years
12%
3–6 months
9%
Over 10 years
3%

Related work experience

4–6 years
30%
2–4 years
20%
Over 10 years
15%
6–8 years
12%
8–10 years
12%
1–2 years
9%
None
2%

Job Zone 5 — extensive preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★★☆ Demanding (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as ophthalmologists, except pediatric

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.