Opticians, Dispensing vs. Registered Nurses: Who Earns More?
Registered Nursess out-earn Opticians, Dispensings by $50K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Opticians, Dispensings land at $47,260 and Registered Nursess at $97,550. The education gap is real: opticians, dispensing programs typically require bachelor's degree, while registered nurse programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Opticians, Dispensings is Connecticut ($75,300); for Registered Nursess it's California ($140,270).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Opticians, Dispensing median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Opticians, Dispensings or Registered Nursess?
Registered Nursess earn more nationally. The median is $47,260 for Opticians, Dispensings versus $97,550 for Registered Nursess, a difference of $50K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Opticians, Dispensing or Registered Nurses?
BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.
Which requires more education, Opticians, Dispensing or Registered Nurses?
Opticians, Dispensing typically requires bachelor's degree. Registered Nurses requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Opticians, Dispensings get paid the most?
Connecticut is the top-paying state for Opticians, Dispensings at $75,300/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Opticians, Dispensing vs. Registered Nurses pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Hawaii, Opticians, Dispensings earn $75,300 vs. $136,320 for Registered Nursess. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.