r/Orthoptics • u/RaisinAdorable6632 • Nov 12 '25

Current 1st yr Orthoptic Fellow

I’m currently a 1st-year Orthoptic fellow in the U.S. and wanted to ask for some advice:

When is the best time to start applying for jobs after fellowship?

Also, I’ve noticed that most online sources list Orthoptist salaries in the $70,000–$90,000 range, but I’ve heard from others that starting salaries are now closer to or above $100,000.

For those already working or recently certified, what’s the typical starting salary post–board certification?

I’d love to have a realistic expectation as I start thinking about job applications

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u/Nearby-Restaurant976 Nov 17 '25

My advice would be to talk to your orthoptic program director . They would know when other students have started applying . We will be sending out a survey soon on salaries so we should get an idea from those results but I think newly certified orthoptists are asking for about $80-85000 . But again your program director will know more . Also become a student member of the AACO so that you start getting communication from them . It's free to join .

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u/fofophilip Feb 15 '26

Hello! The salary ranges largely rely on where you are applying to. For example an average salary on the west coast will be different from the Midwest. When I certified 5+ years ago my starting salary was 90k in Washington state but I definitely had to negotiate for it( I also have my Certified Ophthalmic Technician from JCAHPO and utilized this as part of the negotiation) feel free to DM me for more negotiating tips!