Opticians, Dispensing Salary in U.S. (2024)
Opticians, Dispensings in U.S. make a median of $46,560 a year, or about $22.38 an hour. The range runs from $34K at the entry level to $73K for experienced workers.
Updated
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
So what does $47K get you in U.S.?
About opticians, dispensings
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.
Entry-level opticians, dispensings (10th percentile) start around $34K. Mid-career wages sit at $47K.Top earners bring in $73K or more - a $39K spread from bottom to top.
Opticians, Dispensing pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $66K | +42% | 2,260 |
| Connecticut | $65K | +39% | 580 |
| Massachusetts | $64K | +37% | 1,430 |
| New York | $60K | +29% | 5,180 |
| District of Columbia | $59K | +27% | 60 |
| California | $58K | +24% | 8,180 |
| Vermont | $58K | +23% | 90 |
| Florida | $57K | +22% | 5,030 |
| Alaska | $56K | +21% | 90 |
| Hawaii | $56K | +20% | 160 |
| Virginia | $54K | +17% | 2,500 |
| Rhode Island | $50K | +8% | 280 |
| North Carolina | $50K | +6% | 1,890 |
| Oregon | $50K | +6% | 1,090 |
| New Hampshire | $49K | +6% | 500 |
Track opticians, dispensing salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when U.S. numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do opticians, dispensings make in U.S.?
The median is $46,560 a year - that works out to about $22.38 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $34,470, and experienced opticians, dispensings can clear $73,240. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $47K enough to live in U.S.?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,287/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 43% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a opticians, dispensing salary go in U.S.?
U.S. has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median opticians, dispensing salary is worth about $46,560 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do opticians, dispensings get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.