The Newly Qualified UK Optometrist Numbers You MUST Know in 2026

You’ve finally secured your GOC number. The hard part is over, but a new challenge begins: determining your true market worth.

As a newly qualified optometrist in the UK, your starting salary should never be a continuation of your pre-reg wage. Your value has just spiked significantly. Here is the raw, regional breakdown of what you should aim for in 2025, and the pivot that could potentially double your income.

The 2025 Salary Benchmark

The baseline for a newly qualified optometrist currently sits between £33,000 and £42,000. However, this range depends heavily on the type of employer and your location.

1. Corporate Chains vs. Independent Practices

• Corporate Chains: These often offer the highest starting base, typically ranging from £35,000 to £45,000+. You benefit from structured benefits like robust pensions and funded CPD. The trade-off is often a faster-paced environment with a focus on sales targets and weekend work.
• Independent Practices: While the base pay might be slightly lower (£33,000 – £40,000), independents frequently offer a less stressful clinical environment and greater autonomy. They are also more likely to negotiate if you have a specific clinical interest, such as myopia management or dry eye.

2. The Regional Pay Rollercoaster

In optometry, geography is often the biggest factor in your paycheck. Demand dictates the rate.

• London and the South East: Expect the highest starting figures, often £40,000 to £50,000+. While this includes a "London Weighting" to offset the cost of living, the competition for talent remains fierce.
• Scotland and Remote Coastal Areas: These regions often face practitioner shortages, driving employed salaries to the £35,000 – £45,000 range. To attract talent, many employers here offer significant signing bonuses or relocation packages.
• The Midlands and the North: Salaries typically align with the national average of £33,000 – £40,000. However, due to the lower cost of living, your disposable income in these areas is often higher than in the South.

Breaking the Salary Ceiling

What is the ultimate income potential on the high street? While a resident optometrist with several years of experience typically earns around £50,000, there are paths to much higher earnings:

• Full-Time Locum: It is not unreasonable for a full-time locum to earn £70,000+ per year. This path offers immediate high-tier pay without waiting for years of annual raises, though it requires confidence and a solid understanding of business management.
• Practice Ownership: For those who want to run the show, successful practice owners can earn £100,000+ annually.
• Specialized Roles: Pursuing Independent Prescribing (IP) or roles in hospital and corporate education can also push your earnings well above the standard high-street ceiling.

Your Roadmap to Success

If you are ready to move beyond the employed ceiling and want a clear, step-by-step roadmap to navigate the locum path—from mastering invoicing to stabilizing your income—I can show you how by utilising the resources on this website!