We understand the pressures you feel in the first few months of starting looking for a new opportunity, starting your new career and have developed this information to ensure you get the support and advice you need.

WHAT CRITERIA DO I USE TO CHOOSE MY FIRST JOB?

Experience – Range of Patients

• After so many years of study, most new grads naturally fear making errors and missing pathology.
• The best way to gain professional competency is to experience seeing as many different patients as possible.

Location

• This will affect both the range of jobs you will have from which to choose, as well as the amount of remuneration.
• If you choose to work only in the CBD, for example options are limited

SALARY AND JOB OUTLOOK

Pay

• New Graduate Optometrists will earn from $70 to $85k per year in Metro practices. Regional employment usually pays substantially more and may include extra benefits. Such as regular
  flights back to your home city
• 1 or 2 years experience you can earn between $85 and $130K. The higher end of the scale is once again for regional practice
• Experienced optometrists with over 2 years’ experience can earn up to $150K per year or more, and can apply for partnership and management roles

Job Opportunities

• Chances of getting a job as an optometrist are good in rural and remote areas.
• Covid has reduced demand for grads in Metro locations, however there are jobs available usually with Specsavers and OPSM.