Dispensing opticians help people see the world clearly.But beyond the professional satisfaction of helping others, financial security is important. So, how much can you expect to earn as a dispensing optician in the USA?
This article explores the Opticians, Dispensing wages in United States Of America, exploring the factors that influence your earning potential and offering tips to maximize Opticians, Dispensing income in this dynamic field.
Defining the Opticians, Dispensing:
Opticians, also known as Dispensing Opticians.They are responsible for fitting and dispensing corrective lenses, frames, and other optical devices prescribed by ophthalmologists or optometrists.
Opticians, Dispensing Salary Range
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics1, the annual median salary for Opticians, Dispensing is $44,170. Opticians, Dispensing earn salaries ranging from $31,560 to $69,900 annually.
Top 10% earners: Exceed $31,560 annually
Bottom 10% earners: Make less than $69,900 annually
Projected annual median salary for Opticians, Dispensing in 2024 – 2025 (with 2.5% increase) is $45,274.
- Opticians, Dispensing Salary Range
- Top Paying Industries for Opticians, Dispensing
- Top Paying U.S. States for Opticians, Dispensing
- Opticians, Dispensing Take-Home Pay
- Expenses and Savings Potential Estimates in USA
- Beyond the Base Salary
- Factors Affecting Opticians, Dispensing Income
- Boosting Opticians, Dispensing Salary: Skills and Tips
The median annual wages for Opticians, Dispensing in the Top industries
Chart 1: Median annual wages for Opticians, Dispensing in the top industries (U.S. BLS May 20232)
This wide range highlights the diverse factors that influence a Opticians, Dispensing income in USA. We will be discussing those factors below.
Top Paying Industries for Opticians, Dispensing
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data reveals that Opticians, Dispensing working for Outpatient Care Centers earn the highest annual salaries, exceeding $73,000 annually (U.S BLS May 20233).
Other high-paying industries in USA includes Management of Companies and Enterprises etc.
| Industry | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Outpatient Care Centers | $ 35.39 | $ 73,620 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $ 29.98 | $ 62,350 |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | $ 27.04 | $ 56,250 |
| Professional and Commercial Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers | $ 25.06 | $ 52,120 |
| General Merchandise Retailers | $ 24.85 | $ 51,690 |
Industry with highest Employment Level for Opticians, Dispensing
Most number of Opticians, Dispensing are employed in Offices of other Health Practitioners, followed by Health and Personal Care Retailers.
Chart 2: Industry with highest employment level for Opticians, Dispensing
Top Paying U.S. States for Opticians, Dispensing
Massachusetts leads the pack with the highest annual mean wage for Opticians, Dispensing in USA. Following closely are Connecticut and New Jersey all offering wages exceeding $66,000 annually (U.S BLS4).
| State | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Massachusetts | $ 31.89 | $ 66,330 |
| Connecticut | $ 30.87 | $ 64,220 |
| New Jersey | $ 29.50 | $ 61,350 |
| California | $ 28.83 | $ 59,960 |
| New York | $ 28.69 | $ 59,680 |
Click Here To View Wages of All States U.S. States with the highest employment level for Opticians, Dispensing California leads in providing employment to the Opticians, Dispensing, followed by Texas and Florida. Chart 3: States with the highest employment level for Opticians, Dispensing After factoring in federal and state taxes, a Opticians, Dispensing with a state-wise annual mean salary, would have an estimated net income as follows: Taxes and take home pay estimate for a single filer New-York: $59,680 (Annual mean wage) – $8,200 (Estimated income tax) = $51,480 (Estimated take home pay). California: $59,960 (Annual mean wage) –$7,436 (Estimated income tax) = $52,524 (Estimated take home pay). Texas: $37,890 (Annual mean wage) – $2,665 (Estimated income tax) = $35,225 (Estimated take home pay). More taxes can be saved by contributions in IRA, retirement, itemized deduction such as charitable contributions, medical and dental expenses. The average annual expenses for a single person household in New York are estimated at $46,584 excluding taxes, according to estimates from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology5. (The figures are measured in 2023 inflation-adjusted dollars) Based on this estimate, a Opticians, Dispensing earning the take home pay of $51,480 , with basic expenses could potentially save $4,896 annually. It’s important to note that individual expenses can vary significantly depending on lifestyle choices and location. Savings for Married Couples/Households: While the data provided doesn’t explicitly detail salary savings for married couples or households, it’s important to consider that combined incomes and potentially shared expenses could significantly increase overall savings potential in USA. Total compensation for Opticians, Dispensing goes beyond the hourly or annual wage. Organizations offer additional benefits such as: Housing stipends: Provides financial support for housing during your placement. Meal stipends: To help with daily meals. Travel allowances: To reimburse travel expenses incurred during relocation. Health insurance: Comprehensive health insurance coverage for you and your dependents. Paid time off: Vacation days and sick leave. Childcare assistance: Childcare assistance programs help employees manage this significant expense. Life insurance: This benefit provides financial protection for an employees family in the event of their death. Disability insurance: This benefit provides income to an employee who is unable to work due to a disability. Continuing education reimbursement: Support for professional development and training. Retirement savings plans: Retirement planning gets a helping hand with employer-sponsored plans like 401(k)s. These plans offer tax advantages for saving. Employers may also match employee contributions. Several factors can affect Opticians, Dispensing paycheck: Experience: As with most professions, experience plays a significant role in determining salary. Entry-level specialists can expect lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with proven track records command higher compensation. Education and Certification: Opticians with formal education or certifications from organizations like the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) or the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) may be more competitive in the job market and command higher salaries. Sales Skills and Commission: In some retail settings, opticians may earn commission on top of their base salary based on the eyeglasses and contact lenses they sell. Location: Geographic location significantly impacts Opticians, Dispensing salaries. U.S. States like Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New jersey offer some of the highest pay, while others may offer lower wages. Industry: The industry you work in can impact your salary. Outpatient Care Centers generally offer the highest wages. Employer: Working in private practice or high-end optical stores may earn higher salaries compared to those employed in retail chains or mass merchandisers. Contract Details: The specific terms of the employment contract, including factors like housing stipends, overtime pay, and benefits, can affect the overall compensation package. So, how can Opticians, Dispensing maximize their salary? Here are some tips: Specialization: While not always mandatory, those with specialized skills or certifications, such as expertise in fitting specific types of contact lenses or working with specialized populations (e.g., pediatrics or low vision), can often earn higher wages. Customer Service: Excellent customer service skills are essential for Opticians, as they interact directly with patients and clients. Strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving abilities can make Opticians more valuable to employers and potentially lead to higher earnings. Negotiate Your Salary: Don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary during the job offer stage. Research market rates for Opticians, Dispensing with your experience and qualifications. Take on Leadership Roles: Consider pursuing leadership positions within your department or seeking management opportunities. Advancing into managerial or executive positions, such as Chief Risk Officer (CRO) or Head of Risk Management, typically comes with higher compensation packages. Continue Learning: Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in your field by pursuing training opportunities and continuing education programs. Conclusion: A career as a Opticians, Dispensing in United States offers both professional satisfaction and the potential for a high salary. By understanding the various factors that influence salary and carefully managing expenses, Opticians, Dispensing can make informed decisions and pave the way for a rewarding and financially secure career path. Share this Post Note: This article provides general information only and should not be considered financial advice: Your individual circumstances and specific job offer details will significantly impact your actual earnings. Seek professional guidance: Consulting with a financial advisor can provide personalized advice on managing your finances and maximizing your savings potential.State name Employment Hourly mean wage Annual mean wage Alabama (al) 1270 15.80 32870 Alaska (ak) 140 25.91 53880 Arizona (az) 1700 22.49 46770 Arkansas (ar) 730 21.59 44910 California (ca) 8100 28.83 59960 Colorado (co) 1330 22.12 46020 Connecticut (ct) 570 30.87 64220 Delaware (de) 340 18.67 38840 District of Columbia (dc) 120 28.15 58550 Florida (fl) 5260 25.08 52160 Georgia (ga) 2280 21.83 45410 Hawaii (hi) 150 25.34 52710 Idaho (id) 460 19.40 40340 Illinois (il) 3880 19.83 41240 Indiana (in) 2170 18.33 38120 Iowa (ia) 1080 19.52 40610 Kansas (ks) 760 18.26 37980 Kentucky (ky) 1020 21.14 43960 Louisiana (la) 960 17.73 36870 Maine (me) 280 22.32 46420 Maryland (md) 1290 21.53 44770 Massachusetts (ma) 1270 31.89 66330 Michigan (mi) 3120 20.53 42710 Minnesota (mn) 1640 21.54 44810 Mississippi (ms) 710 15.76 32780 Missouri (mo) 1450 18.52 38510 Montana (mt) 330 21.34 44380 Nebraska (ne) 600 18.91 39340 Nevada (nv) 1170 25.43 52900 New Hampshire (nh) 360 23.37 48610 New Jersey (nj) 2170 29.50 61350 New Mexico (nm) 390 18.63 38750 New York (ny) 3830 28.69 59680 North Carolina (nc) 1640 24.94 51870 North Dakota (nd) 360 20.19 42000 Ohio (oh) 3280 22.41 46600 Oklahoma (ok) 790 16.74 34820 Oregon (or) 840 24.25 50440 Pennsylvania (pa) 2560 20.22 42060 Puerto Rico (pr) 1600 12.89 26800 Rhode Island (ri) 200 23.44 48740 South Carolina (sc) 860 23.27 48390 South Dakota (sd) 420 19.08 39690 Tennessee (tn) 1440 22.25 46270 Texas (tx) 6720 18.22 37890 Utah (ut) 650 20.59 42820 Vermont (vt) 100 27.13 56430 Virginia (va) 2280 26.46 55030 Washington (wa) 1880 24.71 51400 West Virginia (wv) 350 18.18 37810 Wisconsin (wi) 1310 20.38 42390 Wyoming (wy) 170 18.50 38480 
Opticians, Dispensing Take-Home Pay
Expenses and Savings Potential Estimates in USA
Beyond the Base Salary
Factors Affecting Opticians, Dispensing Income
Boosting Opticians, Dispensing Salary: Skills and Tips
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