Opticians, Dispensing Salary in New Mexico
Opticians, Dispensings in New Mexico make a median of $36,910 a year, or about $17.75 an hour. The range runs from $28K at the entry level to $49K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across New Mexico. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $37K get you in New Mexico?
About opticians, dispensings
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, New Mexico
Entry-level opticians, dispensings (10th percentile) start around $28K. Mid-career wages sit at $37K. Top earners bring in $49K or more, a $22K spread from bottom to top.
Opticians, Dispensing salary by metro in New Mexico
2 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe | $39K | +7% | 40 |
| Albuquerque | $38K | +3% | 140 |
Compare to other states
Track opticians, dispensing salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when New Mexico numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do opticians, dispensings make in New Mexico?
The median is $36,910 a year, that works out to about $18 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $27,600, and experienced opticians, dispensings can clear $49,330. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $37K enough to live in New Mexico?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,574/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,119/month, which eats 43.5% 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 New Mexico?
New Mexico 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 $39,663 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.