As specialists in eye health and the visual system, ophthalmologists play a crucial role in health care. However, as with many medical professions, ophthalmologists' salaries vary according to a number of factors. This article explains them in detail.
Factors influencing ophthalmologists' salaries
Several factors determine an ophthalmologist's salary:
- Experience: a junior ophthalmologist generally earns less than a professional with several years' practice.
- Location : salaries can vary depending on the region where the practitioner works. These differences are linked to population density, cost of living and demand for medical care.
- Status: whether an ophthalmologist is salaried or self-employed, his or her income is affected by the fact that they are free to set their own rates, in exchange for the tax and administrative responsibility of the location they occupy.
- Specialty: ophthalmologists with rare or in-demand specialties, such as refractive or retinal surgery, will earn more.
Average salaries for ophthalmologists
As you can see, it's very difficult to say how much an ophthalmologist earns. The above-mentioned criteria frequently lead to variations in remuneration. Because of these limitations, we can only give you a rough idea:
- Confirmed ophthalmologist
- Salaried : €900 to €1,200 net/day.
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- Private practice: approximately 40% retrocession.
In addition, ophthalmologists who specialize in fields such as cataract surgery, refractive surgery, retinal surgery or pediatric eye diseases will bill more expensive services, logically increasing their income. Technical skills and certifications play a significant role in determining remuneration when applying for an ophthalmologist job.
Additional benefits and allowances
In addition to their basic salary, ophthalmologists can enjoy a range of benefits, depending on their status:
- Self-employed ophthalmologists: these ophthalmologists can set their own fees, resulting in higher incomes than salaried employees. On the other hand, they must assume the costs associated with running their practice, such as staff salaries, equipment purchases and insurance.
- Salaried ophthalmologists : salaried ophthalmologists enjoy job security, a fixed salary and benefits offered by their employer. They generally work in public or private hospitals, clinics or health centers. Although their incomes may be lower than those of liberals, they don't have to worry about the administrative and financial management of their practice.
To find out more, click on our ophthalmologist job description.
International comparison of salaries
Salaries for ophthalmologists vary considerably around the world. In the USA, for example, the average annual salary of an ophthalmologist is around $300,000 per year, while in Germany, this specialist can earn between €80,000 and €150,000 per year. These differences are mainly due to tax conditions in each country, as well as differences in healthcare systems.
In short, ophthalmologists' salaries depend on many social and environmental factors. Beginning ophthalmologists will therefore have their work cut out to maximize their income in this exciting discipline.
Did you enjoy this article and would you like to find out more about this career? Find out more on our ophthalmologist studies page!
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Ophthalmologist M/F - Bourg-en-Bresse 01
Liberal
5000 - 15000 per month
Bourg-en-Bresse
Job Ophthalmologist M/F - Bourg-en-Bresse 01 We are recruiting an ophthalmologist H/F on a liberal basis to join an ophthalmology center located in Bourg-en-Bresse (Ain). This position offers you the opportunity to work as an associate within a dynamic, well-equipped structure. Description and missions You will practice in a modern environment, benefiting from work assisted with orthoptists and optimized organization to focus on your practice. - Consultations : 4 days a week in assisted work with orthoptists - Surgery : 1 half-day per week for procedures such as cataract and other specialties - State-of-the-art equipment: OCT, YAG and Argon lasers, Zeiss biometer, retinograph, dedicated IVT room - Surgical platform: procedures performed within a partnerclinic. Structure DNA The center is organized to guarantee a controlled flow of patients and optimized medical practice. You'll benefit from full administrative management and structured access to patient files, giving you a high degree of autonomy in your activity. You'll work as part of a team of talented healthcare professionals: ophthalmologists, orthoptists, optometrists and medical secretaries. Compensation Retrocession of 50%, representing a potential of €400,000 to €600,000 gross annually, depending on patient volume. Benefits - 6 weeks annual leave - 2 weeks dedicated to training and congresses - Complete administrative management for a simplified practice - Total control over procedure quotations - Easier practice thanks to work assisted by an orthoptist Profiles sought: DES in ophthalmology obtained in France or within the European Union, registered or registrable with the Conseil national de l'ordre des médecins in France. Candidates from the European Union: Jober Group, will support you free of charge right up to the start of your activity. A consultant will help you learn the language, put you in touch with our partner teachers, and follow up on your registration with the French medical association. Contact us at: 07 44 71 65 08 Advertisement reference : 9689 Find over 4,000 healthcare job offers on our Jober Group website and mobile application. Take advantage of a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts at your service and a totally free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
Ophthalmologist - Lorient 56 M/F
Employee
1000 - 1500 per day
Lorient
Job Ophthalmologist M/F - Lorient 56 We are looking for 2-3 ophthalmologists M/F to join a medical facility located in Lorient. This facility, open since 1992 and with a recently created ophthalmology pole, offers a unique opportunity for specialists in consultation and surgery (cataract, laser, retina, etc). The position offers a full-time permanent contract, requiring a minimum of 3 days' presence per week. Average working hours are 09:00 to 19:00, Monday to Friday. As an ophthalmologist on our team, you will work alongside professionals from a variety of specialties (urologist, gastroenterologist, cardiologist, digestive and vascular surgeon, plastic surgeon, etc.). The unit has 12 operating rooms, including 2 endoscopic rooms, and a team of 500 employees. There is no orthoptist at present, but we are open to this possibility depending on the practitioner's needs. With a constant concern for ethical conduct, you'll have the assurance of controlled patient flow, as well as total control over the quotation of your procedures. Lorient, Brittany's seaport, combines economic dynamism with a maritime quality of life. Lorient, 3 hours from Paris by train and 10 minutes from the sea, is a popular tourist resort in summer, offering an exceptional living environment close to the coast and 1h45 from Rennes. Your salary will depend on your experience and the FEHAP collective agreement. What's more, you'll enjoy benefits such as 30 days paid vacation per year, 18 days RTT, a CSE with ticketing, etc. Health insurance is covered at 100%, and free parking is available for staff. A catering area is also available at an attractive rate. Position benefits: - Full-time, permanent employee status. - Salary according to experience - Minimum 3 days/week - Multidisciplinary team - Modern, well-equipped structure - 30 CP per year + 18 RTT - CSE and various social benefits - Mutuelle taken at 100% - Free parking Profiles sought: DES in ophthalmology obtained in France or within the European Union, Registered or registrable with the Conseil national de l'ordre des médecins in France Applicants from the European Union: Jober Group, accompanies you free of charge until you start your business: - Language learning (Level B2) / Connection with our partner teachers - Follow-up for registration - Consultant dedicated to your support Contact us at: 06.67.17.15.28 Find over 4,000 healthcare job offers on our Jober Group website and mobile application. Take advantage of a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts at your service and a totally free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
Ophthalmologist M/F - Blanquefort 33
Liberal
2500 - 8000 per month
Ludon-Médoc
Job Ophthalmologist M/F - Blanquefort 33 We are recruiting an ophthalmologist M/F to join a modern and well-equipped ophthalmology center, located in Blanquefort (Gironde), within the framework of a liberal collaboration starting September 2025. Description and tasks - 4 days of consultations with orthoptists and assistants. - 0.5 to 1 day of surgery (cataracts as a priority, other specialties welcome) - Consultations carried out at the center and surgeries performed at a partner clinic - Performant technical platform with OCT, retinograph, Zeiss biometer, Yag and Argon laser, IVT room - Computer software dedicated to ophthalmology (Studio Vision type) Structure DNA The facility is located a few kilometers from Bordeaux, in a pleasant and dynamic town. As soon as you settle in, you'll be supported by the team in place to facilitate your integration and enable you to concentrate solely on your medical practice. The facility covers an area of 143 m² on the first floor, with two consultation rooms, an OCT room, an IVT room and a contactology room. Working conditions are ideal, allowing you to easily balance your professional life with your private life. Compensation For this position, you will benefit from a remuneration of 45% of total amounts collected in consultation and surgery (50% after 1 year). Benefits - Teamwork with 2 orthoptists/optometrists and 2 medical secretaries - Fully equipped, independent center - No on-call duty - Administrative and logistical management provided - Regular training courses - Pleasant living environment close to Bordeaux - 6 weeks vacation per year Profiles sought: DES in ophthalmology obtained in France or within the European Union, registered or registrable with the Conseil national de l'ordre des médecins in France. Candidates from the European Union: Jober Group, accompanies you free of charge right up to the start of your activity. A consultant will help you learn the language, put you in touch with our partner teachers, and follow up on the registration process. Contact us at : 07 44 71 65 08 Advertisement reference : 9792 Find over 4,000 healthcare job offers on our Jober Group website and mobile application. Take advantage of a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts at your service and a totally free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
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