A qualified optometrist in the NHS in England starts at £39,959 on Band 6 in 2026/27, rising to £64,750 on Band 8a. Outside the NHS the National Careers Service gives £40,000 to £65,000, and the College of Optometrists’ member survey puts the median at £40,000 to £54,999. The GOC annual renewal fee is £425.
Optometrist salary UK 2026/27
Hospital optometrists are paid on NHS Agenda for Change bands; community and high street pay is set by employers.
| Grade or stage | Salary | Note |
|---|---|---|
| NHS Band 6 | £39,959 to £48,117 | Entry, intermediate £42,170, top |
| NHS Band 7 | £49,387 to £56,515 | Intermediate £51,932 |
| NHS Band 8a | £57,528 to £64,750 | Intermediate £60,417 |
| National Careers Service range | £40,000 to £65,000 | Starter to experienced; undated profile |
| College of Optometrists member survey | median £40,000 to £54,999 | 2024 earnings, 2025 survey; 21% earned over £65,000 |
Sources: NHS Employers pay scales from 1 April 2026, National Careers Service and the College of Optometrists member survey. Locum rates of £46,800 to £87,360 are quoted by the College but cite a non-primary source, so we do not rely on them.
Optometrist pay point picker
How to become an optometrist in the UK
Official sources describe the route slightly differently, so check which applies to your course.
- Degree: the College of Optometrists describes an integrated Master’s of four years (five in Scotland) with 48 weeks of patient-facing experience.
- Alternative route: NHS Health Careers describes a 3-year degree plus a salaried Scheme for Registration of 12 to 18 months (search snippet; check the page).
- Pre-registration and exam: the National Careers Service says a GOC-approved master’s plus a one-year pre-registration placement, then the GOC final assessment.
- Registration: you must register with the General Optical Council (GOC) before using the title Optometrist.
What the role involves
Optometrists “test vision, identify eye health problems, manage treatments.”
National Careers Service job profile (an organisation description, not a personal quote). Source
Fees, hours and what affects pay
GOC fees 2026-27: annual renewal £425, low-income renewal £290 (income under £16,000), student renewal £30, initial application £80 (GOC).
Hours: 37 to 40 a week, with evening shifts (National Careers Service).
What moves your pay: NHS band versus community or high street employer, locum work, extended-service qualifications and seniority.
Optometrist salary FAQ
How much does an optometrist earn in the UK?
NHS hospital optometrists are paid Band 6 to Band 8a: £39,959 to £64,750 in 2026/27. The National Careers Service gives £40,000 to £65,000 more generally.
How long does it take to become an optometrist?
The College of Optometrists describes a four-year integrated Master’s (five in Scotland); other routes involve a degree plus a pre-registration scheme. Check your course.
What is the GOC registration fee?
The annual renewal for 2026-27 is £425, or £290 on a low income.
Do optometrists earn more as locums?
The College quotes £46,800 to £87,360 citing a non-primary source, so treat it as an indication only.
Sources and further reading
- NHS Employers: 2026 Agenda for Change pay scales
- National Careers Service: optometrist
- General Optical Council: registration fees 2026-27
- College of Optometrists: a career in optometry
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Updated November 2026. Figures are England 2026/27; other UK nations publish their own NHS scales.
