Salary
Average Salary: $73,400
Expected Lifetime Earnings: $3,064,303
Frankly, the starting salary of an orthoptist won't make your eyes pop out of your head, but it gets better―way better. Many orthoptists start out making $35,000 to $45,000 per year, about the same as many jobs requiring only a four-year degree (source). You'll start off with a nice benefits package―insurance, 401K retirement savings, and accruing time off for illness or vacation.
There are huge variations in salary for orthoptists depending on the state where you work, so make sure to choose the right one. Indiana and Arizona, for example have the lowest average salaries for orthoptists, where they hover in the mid- to upper-$40,000 range. But, in states like Georgia and South Carolina, orthoptists make in the upper-$90,000 to $120,000 salary range per year (source).
The difference may be in the availability of government positions in some states and not in others. Orthoptists working for federal or local government agencies tend to make more than those working in the private sector.
Does that mean you'll never make real money working in a private eye doctor's office? Good question. The answer is better―no. Work hard, keep your skills sharp, and after a few years you'll be raking in $80,000 to $100,000 plus per year. Not bad at all. With that kind of money you can own a nice home, drive a nice car, and check lots of countries off your travel bucket list.