Who gets paid more: psychologists or optometrists?

Psychologist or Optometrist???

Clearing and Applications Advisor, Universities Forum Helper

Hi there, writing to let you know I changed the name of the thread so that people can know what you're asking from the title! :smile:

And the answer to your question is...
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/optometrist
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/psychologist

Although I'd advice a lot of caution as there are a gazillion paths you can take in Psychology that will lead to different pay and who knows what you might actually earn - could be more or less than what the government website lists, after all it's just an average.

Reply 2

greg tony

Original post by aryc_30

Psychologist or Optometrist???

There are plently of more important questions to ask, like what skills do i need, what environment, what hours, what is the typical day, career progression etc. Remember even if one paid 5 times more than the other it wouldnt matter if you hated it and you didnt last more than 5 minutes.

Greg

Reply 3

Lord Asriel

Original post by Scotland Yard

Hi there, writing to let you know I changed the name of the thread so that people can know what you're asking from the title! :smile:

A more standardised comparison can be made if you look at the career grades in the NHS for both roles. Obviously private working is more about how good a businessperson you are more than anything else.

https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/wider-healthcare-team/roles-wider-healthcare-team/clinical-support-staff/optometrist
https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/psychological-therapies/roles/clinical-psychologist

Optometrists: As a trainee optometrist in a hospital, you would typically start on band 4. As a qualified and registered optometrist, you would start on band 6. With further training, education and experience, you could apply for more senior posts such as specialist optometrist at band 7 or principal optometrist at bands 8a-8b. As a consultant optometrist or head of
service, you could be on band 8d.

Clinical Psychologists: While training, clinical psychologists will be paid at band 6 and after completing their training, they will be paid at band 7, with opportunities to progress to higher banding in your career. Clinical psychologists in the NHS work full or part time. Terms and conditions can vary for employers outside of the NHS.

IME. Most Clinical Psychologists will get to an 8a or higher, with many at consultant posts at 8c, 8d and for those who want to push it you get to Band 9 Heads of service.However, it seems the Optometrists start at a lower level, but mid career get to a similar position.