Optician salary
BLS occupation: Opticians, Dispensing · also called dispensing optician · Healthcare practitioners · data for May 2025
Median salary $47,260 a year, US
Median hourly pay $22.72 an hour
Middle half earn $38,820–$61,700 25th to 75th percentile
Opticians employed 73,530 +4.2% projected by 2035
How much does an optician make?
- The median optician salary in the US is $47,260 a year ($22.72 an hour): half of the 73,530 opticians BLS counts earn more and half earn less. The average (mean) is $51,770.
- The middle half earn between $38,820 and $61,700. The lowest-paid 10% earn less than $35,610 and the top 10% more than $76,750.
- That is 7% less than the median for all US workers ($50,980).
- Connecticut pays opticians the most (median $75,300), followed by Hawaii ($75,300) and New Jersey ($72,460). Louisiana pays the least ($36,360).
- After adjusting for prices, the pay goes furthest in Connecticut, where the median is worth $72,676 in typical US prices, then Hawaii and New Jersey.
- In 19 of the 308 metro areas with data, the median optician salary is enough to rent a typical home without spending more than 30% of income on rent.
- BLS projects the number of opticians to grow 4.2% from 2025 to 2035 (all jobs: 3.5%), with about 5,600 openings a year. The typical entry education is a high school diploma or equivalent.
official From BLS's survey of employers: what opticians are actually paid, not job ads or self-reports. Adjusted figures are derived. How we calculate.
How does your pay compare?
Optician salary range
Half of opticians earn between $38,820 and $61,700 a year
Yearly pay at each point of the range, US, May 2025. For comparison, the median for all US jobs is $50,980.
Lowest 10% earn under Yearly pay: $35,610
Lowest 25% earn under Yearly pay: $38,820
Median Yearly pay: $47,260
Top 25% earn over Yearly pay: $61,700
Top 10% earn over Yearly pay: $76,750
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Show the numbers
| Yearly pay | |
|---|---|
| Lowest 10% earn under | $35,610 |
| Lowest 25% earn under | $38,820 |
| Median | $47,260 |
| Top 25% earn over | $61,700 |
| Top 10% earn over | $76,750 |
Optician salary by state
Connecticut pays opticians the most; Louisiana the least
Median yearly pay by state compared with the US median ($47,260), May 2025. Blue = higher pay.
- 20%+ below US
- 10–20% below
- 3–10% below
- Within 3%
- 3–10% above
- 10–20% above
- 20%+ above US
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
Show the numbers
| State | Median pay |
|---|---|
| Connecticut | $75,300 median |
| Hawaii | $75,300 median |
| New Jersey | $72,460 median |
| Massachusetts | $67,210 median |
| New York | $63,880 median |
| District of Columbia | $61,310 median |
| Florida | $58,850 median |
| Alaska | $58,250 median |
| California | $57,990 median |
| Vermont | $57,350 median |
| Virginia | $55,820 median |
| New Hampshire | $51,980 median |
| Ohio | $50,500 median |
| North Carolina | $50,190 median |
| Tennessee | $49,840 median |
| Washington | $49,220 median |
| Oregon | $49,210 median |
| Maryland | $48,700 median |
| Arizona | $48,210 median |
| Minnesota | $48,020 median |
| Georgia | $48,010 median |
| South Carolina | $48,000 median |
| Rhode Island | $47,400 median |
| Colorado | $47,310 median |
| Maine | $47,220 median |
| Montana | $47,050 median |
| Nevada | $46,910 median |
| Delaware | $46,220 median |
| Pennsylvania | $45,450 median |
| North Dakota | $45,230 median |
| Wisconsin | $44,820 median |
| Iowa | $44,480 median |
| Kentucky | $44,290 median |
| Illinois | $43,960 median |
| Idaho | $43,950 median |
| South Dakota | $43,400 median |
| Arkansas | $42,880 median |
| Utah | $41,780 median |
| Michigan | $41,180 median |
| Kansas | $40,140 median |
| Nebraska | $39,830 median |
| Indiana | $39,370 median |
| Wyoming | $39,100 median |
| New Mexico | $39,090 median |
| Missouri | $38,750 median |
| Texas | $38,720 median |
| West Virginia | $38,120 median |
| Oklahoma | $37,940 median |
| Alabama | $36,880 median |
| Mississippi | $36,680 median |
| Louisiana | $36,360 median |
Where optician pay goes furthest
A salary buys more where prices are low. We divide each state's median by its price level from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, so every figure is in typical US prices. derived
Opticians' pay goes furthest in Connecticut once prices are counted
Median pay ÷ the state's price level (BEA, 2024; US = 100), shown in typical US prices. Top 10 states.
US median
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024. Our calculation.
Show the numbers
| Worth, in US prices | |
|---|---|
| Connecticut | $72,676 |
| Hawaii | $68,485 |
| New Jersey | $66,596 |
| Massachusetts | $63,551 |
| New York | $59,191 |
| Vermont | $58,545 |
| Alaska | $56,908 |
| Florida | $56,907 |
| District of Columbia | $55,787 |
| Virginia | $55,210 |
Optician pay in every state
| State | Median a year | Hourly | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Employed | After cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | $75,300 | $36.20 | $48,700 | $85,070 | 610 | $72,676 |
| Hawaii | $75,300 | $36.20 | $41,080 | $80,910 | 110 | $68,485 |
| New Jersey | $72,460 | $34.84 | $47,110 | $85,020 | 2,010 | $66,596 |
| Massachusetts | $67,210 | $32.31 | $48,850 | $83,550 | 1,360 | $63,551 |
| New York | $63,880 | $30.71 | $43,060 | $81,200 | 3,520 | $59,191 |
| District of Columbia | $61,310 | $29.48 | $45,190 | $86,110 | 80 | $55,787 |
| Florida | $58,850 | $28.29 | $36,510 | $75,480 | 5,080 | $56,907 |
| Alaska | $58,250 | $28.00 | $38,940 | $75,760 | 90 | $56,908 |
| California | $57,990 | $27.88 | $42,390 | $81,680 | 7,840 | $52,375 |
| Vermont | $57,350 | $27.57 | $41,600 | $76,850 | 70 | $58,545 |
| Virginia | $55,820 | $26.84 | $36,360 | $77,460 | 1,860 | $55,210 |
| New Hampshire | $51,980 | $24.99 | $41,130 | $66,670 | 440 | $49,902 |
| Ohio | $50,500 | $24.28 | $35,830 | $65,280 | 2,960 | $54,433 |
| North Carolina | $50,190 | $24.13 | $36,500 | $81,340 | 2,020 | $53,209 |
| Tennessee | $49,840 | $23.96 | $34,740 | $74,160 | 1,530 | $54,251 |
| Washington | $49,220 | $23.66 | $41,120 | $78,830 | 2,100 | $45,994 |
| Oregon | $49,210 | $23.66 | $39,480 | $76,750 | 1,000 | $47,610 |
| Maryland | $48,700 | $23.41 | $37,100 | $64,830 | 1,060 | $46,399 |
| Arizona | $48,210 | $23.18 | $39,890 | $75,300 | 1,400 | $47,886 |
| Minnesota | $48,020 | $23.09 | $36,920 | $67,490 | 1,490 | $48,691 |
| Georgia | $48,010 | $23.08 | $36,800 | $74,120 | 2,290 | $49,858 |
| South Carolina | $48,000 | $23.08 | $36,240 | $73,890 | 890 | $51,201 |
| Rhode Island | $47,400 | $22.79 | $38,480 | $77,130 | 350 | $46,343 |
| Colorado | $47,310 | $22.75 | $38,900 | $66,160 | 1,520 | $45,909 |
| Maine | $47,220 | $22.70 | $39,110 | $60,190 | 350 | $48,655 |
| Montana | $47,050 | $22.62 | $36,240 | $64,730 | 330 | $49,712 |
| Nevada | $46,910 | $22.55 | $38,090 | $84,660 | 960 | $46,920 |
| Delaware | $46,220 | $22.22 | $31,200 | $60,790 | 270 | $46,309 |
| Pennsylvania | $45,450 | $21.85 | $36,160 | $58,450 | 2,230 | $46,581 |
| North Dakota | $45,230 | $21.75 | $37,220 | $56,100 | 230 | $50,844 |
| Wisconsin | $44,820 | $21.55 | $36,680 | $60,320 | 1,430 | $47,633 |
| Iowa | $44,480 | $21.38 | $37,270 | $53,790 | 920 | $50,683 |
| Kentucky | $44,290 | $21.29 | $30,190 | $65,130 | 950 | $49,124 |
| Illinois | $43,960 | $21.13 | $37,080 | $62,830 | 3,250 | $43,978 |
| Idaho | $43,950 | $21.13 | $34,730 | $75,300 | 530 | $46,024 |
| South Dakota | $43,400 | $20.87 | $32,390 | $49,730 | 430 | $48,992 |
| Arkansas | $42,880 | $20.62 | $30,100 | $73,890 | 690 | $49,323 |
| Utah | $41,780 | $20.09 | $35,680 | $76,750 | 700 | $42,260 |
| Michigan | $41,180 | $19.80 | $34,610 | $52,090 | 3,080 | $42,799 |
| Kansas | $40,140 | $19.30 | $36,050 | $48,480 | 630 | $44,566 |
| Nebraska | $39,830 | $19.15 | $35,800 | $52,670 | 870 | $44,205 |
| Indiana | $39,370 | $18.93 | $31,930 | $49,960 | 2,010 | $42,184 |
| Wyoming | $39,100 | $18.80 | $33,110 | $53,840 | 130 | $42,183 |
| New Mexico | $39,090 | $18.79 | $31,010 | $72,920 | 340 | $42,391 |
| Missouri | $38,750 | $18.63 | $34,110 | $54,810 | 1,600 | $42,668 |
| Texas | $38,720 | $18.62 | $29,970 | $58,240 | 6,700 | $39,894 |
| West Virginia | $38,120 | $18.33 | $31,250 | $52,370 | 350 | $42,594 |
| Oklahoma | $37,940 | $18.24 | $29,530 | $54,310 | 730 | $43,191 |
| Alabama | $36,880 | $17.73 | $31,000 | $47,720 | 880 | $41,521 |
| Mississippi | $36,680 | $17.63 | $28,180 | $47,210 | 560 | $42,184 |
| Louisiana | $36,360 | $17.48 | $28,840 | $46,870 | 720 | $41,221 |
After cost of living = median ÷ (BEA price level ÷ 100).
Optician salary by city
Metro areas where BLS publishes optician pay: 312 of 387. Rent share = typical rent (September 2026, Zillow) × 12 ÷ the median salary; under 30% is affordable by the usual rule.
Highest-paying metro areas
- Vallejo, CA $78,830
- Bridgeport, CT $78,600
- Santa Rosa, CA $77,460
- Waterbury, CT $76,820
- Norwich, CT $76,170
- Honolulu, HI $75,300
- New Haven, CT $72,410
- Atlantic City, NJ $72,290
- Hartford, CT $71,440
- New York, NY $71,050
Where the pay goes furthest
- Waterbury, CT $76,991
- Norwich, CT $75,833
- Watertown, NY $75,117
- Springfield, MA $73,911
- Bridgeport, CT $73,551
- Atlantic City, NJ $73,126
- Vallejo, CA $72,668
- Syracuse, NY $71,943
- Santa Rosa, CA $71,866
- Barnstable, MA $70,696
All 312 metro areas
| Metro area | Median a year | Employed | After cost of living | Rent share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vallejo, CA | $78,830 | 90 | $72,668 | 38% |
| Bridgeport, CT | $78,600 | 130 | $73,551 | 44% |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $77,460 | 120 | $71,866 | 41% |
| Waterbury, CT | $76,820 | 70 | $76,991 | – |
| Norwich, CT | $76,170 | 60 | $75,833 | 33% |
| Honolulu, HI | $75,300 | 90 | $67,862 | 48% |
| New Haven, CT | $72,410 | 100 | $69,253 | 34% |
| Atlantic City, NJ | $72,290 | 70 | $73,126 | 34% |
| Hartford, CT | $71,440 | 220 | $69,531 | 34% |
| New York, NY | $71,050 | 3,460 | $63,120 | 60% |
| Springfield, MA | $71,000 | 70 | $73,911 | 33% |
| Barnstable, MA | $69,530 | 60 | $70,696 | 44% |
| Syracuse, NY | $68,880 | 180 | $71,943 | 28% |
| Worcester, MA | $67,630 | 160 | $65,966 | 37% |
| Trenton, NJ | $67,110 | 100 | $65,042 | 45% |
| Watertown, NY | $65,870 | 30 | $75,117 | 27% |
| Amherst-Northampton, MA | $65,000 | 60 | $64,842 | – |
| Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $64,280 | 150 | $58,745 | 42% |
| Boston, MA | $64,170 | 950 | $59,271 | 56% |
| Albany, NY | $63,710 | 180 | $63,988 | 32% |
| Kingston, NY | $63,390 | 40 | $62,944 | 38% |
| Harrisonburg, VA | $62,980 | 30 | $66,370 | 32% |
| Naples, FL | $62,940 | 80 | $60,988 | 50% |
| Utica, NY | $62,930 | 50 | $67,902 | 27% |
| Sacramento, CA | $62,240 | 580 | $58,348 | 44% |
| Rochester, NY | $62,230 | 240 | $64,131 | 30% |
| Palm Bay, FL | $62,030 | 140 | $62,027 | 37% |
| Miami, FL | $61,880 | 1,250 | $54,207 | 51% |
| Glens Falls, NY | $61,850 | 40 | $65,197 | 28% |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $61,150 | 110 | $61,011 | 45% |
| Gainesville, FL | $60,680 | 50 | $62,729 | 32% |
| Buffalo, NY | $60,620 | 280 | $63,249 | 29% |
| Sebastian, FL | $60,490 | 40 | $61,531 | 42% |
| San Jose, CA | $60,480 | 390 | $54,771 | 76% |
| Punta Gorda, FL | $60,360 | 60 | $60,045 | 37% |
| Binghamton, NY | $60,290 | 30 | $64,924 | 32% |
| Wenatchee, WA | $60,140 | 30 | $57,908 | 35% |
| Anchorage, AK | $59,940 | 60 | $56,858 | 38% |
| Cape Coral, FL | $59,800 | 240 | $58,428 | 37% |
| Washington, DC | $59,520 | 1,080 | $54,664 | 49% |
| Ocala, FL | $59,470 | 90 | $62,446 | 32% |
| Greensboro, NC | $59,420 | 120 | $63,985 | 28% |
| Burlington, VT | $59,310 | 30 | $58,752 | 52% |
| Orlando, FL | $59,120 | 680 | $58,293 | 39% |
| Modesto, CA | $59,010 | 120 | $56,682 | 42% |
| Tallahassee, FL | $58,700 | 60 | $62,501 | 30% |
| San Francisco, CA | $58,360 | 940 | $50,479 | 71% |
| Durham, NC | $58,310 | 80 | $59,761 | 34% |
| Olympia, WA | $58,250 | 60 | $56,188 | 42% |
| Stockton, CA | $58,250 | 120 | $55,429 | 50% |
| San Diego, CA | $58,240 | 490 | $52,053 | 61% |
| North Port, FL | $58,220 | 230 | $56,846 | 43% |
| Winchester, VA | $58,190 | 40 | $60,332 | 38% |
| Deltona, FL | $57,870 | 130 | $58,239 | 37% |
| Crestview, FL | $57,780 | 70 | $59,548 | 41% |
| Fayetteville, NC | $57,780 | 60 | $62,819 | 30% |
| The Villages, FL | $57,670 | 30 | $67,510 | 36% |
| Napa, CA | $57,620 | 40 | $51,193 | 61% |
| Manchester, NH | $57,180 | 180 | $54,119 | 45% |
| Charlottesville, VA | $57,140 | 60 | $57,632 | 43% |
| Lakeland, FL | $57,100 | 150 | $58,781 | 38% |
| Jacksonville, FL | $57,000 | 380 | $57,296 | 35% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $56,130 | 3,070 | $49,425 | 63% |
| Chico, CA | $56,100 | 30 | $55,436 | 33% |
| Tampa, FL | $56,030 | 870 | $55,536 | 43% |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $55,990 | 130 | $60,830 | 33% |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $55,950 | 50 | $50,912 | 74% |
| Santa Maria, CA | $55,680 | 50 | $51,177 | 71% |
| Burlington, NC | $55,530 | 40 | $59,584 | 29% |
| San Luis Obispo, CA | $55,380 | 40 | $50,996 | 61% |
| Spartanburg, SC | $55,170 | 60 | $60,592 | 32% |
| Salinas, CA | $55,140 | 50 | $50,568 | 60% |
| Riverside, CA | $55,070 | 870 | $51,737 | 55% |
| Richmond, VA | $55,020 | 310 | $56,224 | 37% |
| Jacksonville, NC | $54,900 | 30 | $59,619 | 34% |
| Bend, OR | $54,750 | 80 | $52,844 | 49% |
| Bellingham, WA | $53,050 | 60 | $51,338 | 44% |
| Roanoke, VA | $52,650 | 90 | $56,239 | 32% |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $52,390 | 400 | $53,491 | 43% |
| Nashville, TN | $52,300 | 440 | $54,288 | 41% |
| Cleveland, OH | $52,060 | 520 | $55,428 | 33% |
| Atlanta, GA | $51,890 | 1,380 | $51,860 | 43% |
| Morristown, TN | $51,770 | 50 | $59,944 | 36% |
| Bozeman, MT | $51,760 | 40 | $50,493 | 51% |
| Charlotte, NC | $51,620 | 490 | $53,026 | 40% |
| Panama City, FL | $51,060 | 70 | $52,479 | 41% |
| Dayton, OH | $51,030 | 200 | $55,052 | 31% |
| Johnson City, TN | $51,010 | 60 | $58,013 | 35% |
| Fresno, CA | $50,960 | 160 | $49,884 | 48% |
| Boulder, CO | $50,840 | 120 | $48,326 | 52% |
| Cincinnati, OH | $50,730 | 570 | $53,193 | 36% |
| Columbus, OH | $50,730 | 590 | $53,138 | 36% |
| Visalia, CA | $50,590 | 40 | $50,679 | 41% |
| Oxnard, CA | $50,520 | 150 | $45,705 | 70% |
| Mount Vernon, WA | $50,490 | 50 | $49,286 | 52% |
| Denver, CO | $49,750 | 750 | $47,031 | 46% |
| Youngstown, OH | $49,750 | 100 | $56,926 | 25% |
| Portland, OR | $49,620 | 600 | $47,068 | 44% |
| Yuma, AZ | $49,610 | 30 | $53,513 | 34% |
| Kennewick, WA | $49,540 | 120 | $49,501 | 41% |
| Toledo, OH | $49,370 | 180 | $53,983 | 31% |
| Philadelphia, PA | $49,300 | 1,070 | $48,072 | 46% |
| Portland, ME | $49,240 | 170 | $48,342 | 56% |
| Asheville, NC | $49,110 | 70 | $50,888 | 42% |
| Knoxville, TN | $49,050 | 190 | $52,988 | 42% |
| Seattle, WA | $48,960 | 1,140 | $44,055 | 55% |
| Providence, RI | $48,940 | 450 | $48,087 | 53% |
| Akron, OH | $48,890 | 160 | $52,362 | 32% |
| Lynchburg, VA | $48,890 | 50 | $54,709 | 32% |
| Minneapolis, MN | $48,840 | 930 | $46,593 | 43% |
| Bremerton, WA | $48,780 | 70 | $46,190 | 50% |
| Lancaster, PA | $48,620 | 120 | $49,482 | 39% |
| Phoenix, AZ | $48,530 | 990 | $46,972 | 43% |
| Lake Havasu City, AZ | $48,450 | 50 | $51,489 | 38% |
| Prescott Valley, AZ | $48,440 | 50 | $49,300 | 47% |
| Canton, OH | $48,410 | 110 | $54,146 | 28% |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | $48,390 | 110 | $51,676 | 43% |
| Baltimore, MD | $48,320 | 500 | $46,245 | 48% |
| Mansfield, OH | $48,260 | 40 | $54,303 | 22% |
| Allentown, PA | $48,190 | 150 | $48,205 | 46% |
| Hilton Head Island, SC | $48,120 | 50 | $49,094 | 49% |
| Missoula, MT | $48,050 | 50 | $49,821 | 41% |
| Charleston, SC | $47,900 | 140 | $47,444 | 51% |
| Reno, NV | $47,680 | 160 | $47,201 | 52% |
| Clarksville, TN | $47,660 | 60 | $52,404 | 34% |
| Spokane, WA | $47,650 | 180 | $47,486 | 38% |
| Memphis, TN | $47,620 | 220 | $51,660 | 35% |
| Pensacola, FL | $47,550 | 140 | $48,661 | 44% |
| Salem, OR | $47,550 | 80 | $45,876 | 42% |
| Jackson, TN | $47,480 | 60 | $55,518 | 35% |
| Rochester, MN | $47,460 | 80 | $52,257 | 40% |
| Fort Collins, CO | $47,360 | 140 | $46,832 | 50% |
| Lexington, KY | $47,310 | 120 | $50,932 | 41% |
| Florence, SC | $47,150 | 50 | $54,337 | 39% |
| Chattanooga, TN | $47,140 | 130 | $51,539 | 38% |
| Great Falls, MT | $47,120 | 40 | $48,655 | 36% |
| Raleigh, NC | $47,090 | 480 | $47,974 | 43% |
| Bakersfield, CA | $46,970 | 130 | $46,558 | 47% |
| Tucson, AZ | $46,930 | 170 | $48,433 | 38% |
| Greenville, SC | $46,920 | 160 | $50,311 | 40% |
| Las Vegas, NV | $46,850 | 700 | $46,749 | 44% |
| Madison, WI | $46,480 | 210 | $47,776 | 46% |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $46,470 | 450 | $49,086 | 38% |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | $46,450 | 40 | $47,257 | 47% |
| Greeley, CO | $46,440 | 40 | $46,358 | 44% |
| Savannah, GA | $46,440 | 100 | $48,778 | 46% |
| Eugene, OR | $46,270 | 80 | $45,556 | 46% |
| Billings, MT | $46,260 | 90 | $49,462 | 36% |
| Athens, GA | $46,250 | 70 | $49,548 | 46% |
| Duluth, MN | $46,240 | 60 | $52,091 | 34% |
| Yakima, WA | $46,240 | 60 | $48,396 | 35% |
| Columbia, SC | $46,150 | 130 | $49,273 | 40% |
| State College, PA | $46,150 | 40 | $47,694 | 51% |
| Albany, OR | $46,100 | 30 | $45,152 | 43% |
| Des Moines, IA | $46,080 | 240 | $50,250 | 33% |
| Redding, CA | $46,040 | 40 | $45,727 | 43% |
| Dallas, TX | $46,030 | 2,070 | $44,650 | 43% |
| Fayetteville, AR | $46,020 | 150 | $50,376 | 41% |
| Salisbury, MD | $46,020 | 40 | $48,130 | 51% |
| Lebanon, PA | $46,010 | 40 | $49,360 | 38% |
| Iowa City, IA | $46,000 | 50 | $50,268 | 46% |
| Medford, OR | $45,930 | 60 | $45,281 | 48% |
| Milwaukee, WI | $45,930 | 310 | $47,381 | 40% |
| Hot Springs, AR | $45,790 | 30 | $53,412 | 32% |
| Bismarck, ND | $45,770 | 50 | $50,283 | 34% |
| Oshkosh, WI | $45,740 | 50 | $49,220 | 34% |
| Harrisburg, PA | $45,710 | 100 | $46,336 | 39% |
| Austin, TX | $45,590 | 610 | $46,489 | 42% |
| Dubuque, IA | $45,560 | 40 | $52,171 | 28% |
| Kenosha, WI | $45,420 | 40 | $44,918 | – |
| Wilmington, NC | $45,400 | 130 | $47,085 | 46% |
| Bangor, ME | $45,360 | 40 | $47,001 | 40% |
| Gainesville, GA | $45,310 | 50 | $46,824 | 45% |
| York, PA | $45,300 | 100 | $47,188 | 37% |
| Grand Forks, ND | $45,280 | 40 | $52,248 | 30% |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $45,240 | 190 | $44,922 | 47% |
| St. Cloud, MN | $45,210 | 50 | $51,591 | 32% |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $45,090 | 90 | $44,697 | 51% |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $45,090 | 90 | $50,684 | 33% |
| Wausau, WI | $45,090 | 50 | $48,667 | 26% |
| Elizabethtown, KY | $45,070 | 30 | $49,762 | 35% |
| Fargo, ND | $45,040 | 80 | $49,565 | 29% |
| Waterloo, IA | $44,930 | 30 | $51,610 | 27% |
| Sheboygan, WI | $44,910 | 30 | $47,769 | 36% |
| Warner Robins, GA | $44,870 | 40 | $47,841 | 40% |
| Scranton, PA | $44,860 | 120 | $47,950 | 36% |
| Macon, GA | $44,810 | 30 | $50,617 | 32% |
| Boise, ID | $44,720 | 230 | $45,451 | 52% |
| Augusta, GA | $44,700 | 150 | $48,638 | 39% |
| La Crosse, WI | $44,620 | 60 | $48,622 | 36% |
| Chicago, IL | $44,530 | 2,420 | $42,985 | 58% |
| Grand Junction, CO | $44,360 | 60 | $46,462 | 47% |
| Valdosta, GA | $44,220 | 30 | $50,096 | 36% |
| Sioux Falls, SD | $44,190 | 170 | $48,758 | 34% |
| Eau Claire, WI | $43,910 | 60 | $47,319 | 31% |
| Detroit, MI | $43,830 | 1,470 | $43,700 | 41% |
| Green Bay, WI | $43,660 | 90 | $46,903 | 31% |
| Hagerstown, MD | $43,660 | 40 | $46,362 | 44% |
| Appleton, WI | $43,620 | 70 | $47,198 | 33% |
| Jefferson City, MO | $43,440 | 40 | $49,378 | 28% |
| Omaha, NE | $43,340 | 340 | $47,154 | 39% |
| Little Rock, AR | $43,280 | 200 | $48,431 | 34% |
| St. George, UT | $43,040 | 60 | $44,225 | 52% |
| Provo, UT | $42,710 | 130 | $43,479 | 50% |
| Reading, PA | $42,470 | 60 | $43,756 | 44% |
| Davenport, IA | $42,070 | 90 | $47,228 | 29% |
| Rockford, IL | $42,070 | 60 | $45,652 | 37% |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $42,070 | 260 | $41,708 | 47% |
| Pueblo, CO | $42,060 | 40 | $45,836 | 38% |
| Traverse City, MI | $42,050 | 80 | $45,035 | 53% |
| Idaho Falls, ID | $41,990 | 80 | $44,475 | 41% |
| Grand Rapids, MI | $41,820 | 370 | $43,769 | 46% |
| Amarillo, TX | $41,710 | 70 | $45,426 | 38% |
| Lincoln, NE | $41,450 | 160 | $45,260 | 37% |
| Lansing, MI | $41,390 | 150 | $43,573 | 38% |
| Kansas City, MO | $40,930 | 450 | $44,228 | 45% |
| Hickory, NC | $40,910 | 80 | $46,233 | 47% |
| Ames, IA | $40,860 | 40 | $45,998 | 34% |
| Odessa, TX | $40,570 | 50 | $43,207 | 47% |
| Louisville, KY | $40,560 | 340 | $43,578 | 40% |
| Santa Fe, NM | $40,200 | 50 | $40,702 | 58% |
| Bloomington, IL | $40,150 | 80 | $42,924 | 39% |
| Racine, WI | $39,950 | 50 | $41,631 | 44% |
| Texarkana, TX | $39,920 | 40 | $47,517 | 38% |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $39,840 | 170 | $43,037 | 38% |
| Elkhart, IN | $39,800 | 40 | $44,063 | 36% |
| Springfield, IL | $39,790 | 60 | $42,903 | 36% |
| Wheeling, WV | $39,780 | 40 | $45,039 | 26% |
| Albany, GA | $39,670 | 40 | $45,250 | 33% |
| Indianapolis, IN | $39,580 | 520 | $41,360 | 46% |
| Ogden, UT | $39,540 | 130 | $39,402 | 49% |
| Columbus, GA | $39,450 | 70 | $44,179 | 41% |
| Albuquerque, NM | $39,230 | 170 | $41,059 | 46% |
| Flint, MI | $39,230 | 130 | $42,167 | 32% |
| St. Louis, MO | $39,230 | 750 | $41,257 | 44% |
| Paducah, KY | $39,210 | 30 | $45,549 | 35% |
| Tulsa, OK | $39,190 | 170 | $43,928 | 42% |
| Erie, PA | $39,120 | 70 | $43,013 | 35% |
| Logan, UT | $39,000 | 40 | $40,656 | 44% |
| Janesville, WI | $38,900 | 40 | $41,514 | 40% |
| Rapid City, SD | $38,760 | 60 | $43,472 | 45% |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $38,670 | 260 | $42,773 | 43% |
| Saginaw, MI | $38,660 | 50 | $42,534 | 33% |
| Huntington, WV | $38,650 | 80 | $43,711 | 34% |
| Niles, MI | $38,590 | 50 | $41,778 | 44% |
| College Station, TX | $38,510 | 50 | $42,341 | 47% |
| Kingsport, TN | $38,510 | 110 | $44,548 | 41% |
| Kokomo, IN | $38,390 | 50 | $42,823 | 34% |
| Lafayette, IN | $38,370 | 60 | $41,068 | 46% |
| Sioux City, IA | $38,330 | 50 | $44,336 | 41% |
| New Orleans, LA | $38,300 | 120 | $41,362 | 49% |
| Terre Haute, IN | $38,260 | 30 | $43,578 | 31% |
| Charleston, WV | $38,130 | 50 | $42,979 | 38% |
| Parkersburg, WV | $38,120 | 30 | $43,783 | 33% |
| San Antonio, TX | $38,090 | 600 | $40,215 | 45% |
| Midland, TX | $38,080 | 40 | $39,757 | 50% |
| Michigan City, IN | $38,070 | 40 | $41,524 | 38% |
| Houston, TX | $38,050 | 1,660 | $38,579 | 52% |
| South Bend, IN | $38,000 | 80 | $40,923 | 40% |
| Abilene, TX | $37,920 | 30 | $41,964 | 63% |
| Bloomington, IN | $37,890 | 50 | $39,849 | 55% |
| Topeka, KS | $37,890 | 60 | $42,659 | 40% |
| Muskegon, MI | $37,870 | 30 | $40,932 | 41% |
| Johnstown, PA | $37,860 | 30 | $44,060 | 28% |
| Wichita, KS | $37,850 | 150 | $42,554 | 38% |
| Grand Island, NE | $37,830 | 60 | $43,655 | 43% |
| Evansville, IN | $37,790 | 120 | $41,288 | 35% |
| Kalamazoo, MI | $37,780 | 120 | $39,836 | 41% |
| Longview, TX | $37,760 | 60 | $42,197 | 36% |
| Huntsville, AL | $37,700 | 100 | $40,506 | 44% |
| Springfield, MO | $37,650 | 150 | $42,502 | 40% |
| Jackson, MS | $37,580 | 130 | $42,202 | 47% |
| Slidell, LA | $37,580 | 60 | $40,528 | – |
| Gulfport, MS | $37,530 | 70 | $41,697 | 45% |
| Killeen, TX | $37,440 | 60 | $41,083 | 42% |
| Birmingham, AL | $37,410 | 220 | $40,821 | 45% |
| Daphne, AL | $37,410 | 50 | $39,508 | 55% |
| Fort Smith, AR | $37,370 | 70 | $43,510 | 34% |
| El Paso, TX | $37,120 | 100 | $41,285 | 49% |
| Champaign, IL | $37,080 | 40 | $39,998 | 45% |
| Peoria, IL | $37,040 | 150 | $40,600 | 37% |
| Bowling Green, KY | $37,000 | 60 | $41,030 | 39% |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $36,910 | 140 | $40,659 | 44% |
| Shreveport, LA | $36,910 | 50 | $43,543 | 42% |
| Lubbock, TX | $36,790 | 90 | $40,288 | 43% |
| Morgantown, WV | $36,790 | 40 | $39,422 | 44% |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $36,770 | 30 | $41,959 | 43% |
| Wichita Falls, TX | $36,710 | 40 | $41,011 | 43% |
| Joplin, MO | $36,680 | 50 | $42,791 | 41% |
| Columbia, MO | $36,600 | 60 | $40,922 | 48% |
| Muncie, IN | $36,600 | 40 | $41,521 | 34% |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $36,500 | 30 | $41,609 | 55% |
| Montgomery, AL | $36,440 | 40 | $40,632 | 46% |
| Beaumont, TX | $36,420 | 100 | $40,446 | 43% |
| St. Joseph, MO | $36,390 | 40 | $42,127 | 33% |
| Houma, LA | $36,360 | 40 | $42,725 | 43% |
| Jonesboro, AR | $36,260 | 50 | $42,224 | 41% |
| Alexandria, LA | $36,160 | 40 | $42,201 | 34% |
| Cape Girardeau, MO | $36,100 | 50 | $41,939 | 34% |
| Mobile, AL | $35,960 | 60 | $40,818 | 43% |
| San Angelo, TX | $35,810 | 30 | $38,733 | 44% |
| Tyler, TX | $35,310 | 50 | $38,315 | 45% |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $35,300 | 150 | $38,092 | 48% |
| Lake Charles, LA | $35,130 | 40 | $40,919 | 46% |
| Brownsville, TX | $35,110 | 70 | $40,837 | 52% |
| Laredo, TX | $34,960 | 40 | $40,204 | 39% |
| McAllen, TX | $34,860 | 120 | $40,584 | 39% |
| Waco, TX | $34,520 | 60 | $37,299 | 49% |
| Dothan, AL | $34,420 | 90 | $41,058 | 42% |
| Lafayette, LA | $34,300 | 70 | $39,331 | 48% |
| Victoria, TX | $34,280 | 40 | $38,157 | 41% |
| Monroe, LA | $33,410 | 50 | $39,966 | 42% |
What the median optician salary pays per paycheck
| Period | Before taxes |
|---|---|
| Year | $47,260 |
| Month | $3,938 |
| Every two weeks | $1,818 |
| Week | $909 |
| Hour | $22.72 |
Gross pay, 52 weeks a year, 2,080 hours. Hourly to salary calculator.
Becoming an optician: education and job outlook
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent |
|---|---|
| Work experience needed | None |
| On-the-job training | Long-term on-the-job training |
| Projected change in jobs, 2025–35 | +4.2% (all jobs: +3.5%) |
| Openings a year (average) | 5,600 |
| Self-employed | 1.6% |
official BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35. Openings include workers who retire or change jobs. What the work involves: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Similar jobs
| Job | Median a year | Typical education |
|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound tech | $96,590 | Associate's degree |
| Vet tech | $47,380 | Associate's degree |
| Speech-language pathologist | $97,870 | Master's degree |
| Medical lab tech | $62,930 | Bachelor's degree |
| Physician assistant | $135,880 | Master's degree |
| Nurse practitioner | $132,300 | Master's degree |
| MRI tech | $95,480 | Associate's degree |
| Radiology tech | $80,110 | Associate's degree |
Questions about optician pay
How much does an optician make an hour?
The median is $22.72 an hour. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $17.12 and the top 10% over $36.90.
How much does an optician make a month?
About $3,938 a month before taxes at the median salary of $47,260, or $1,818 every two weeks.
What state pays opticians the most?
Connecticut, with a median of $75,300. Hawaii ($75,300), New Jersey ($72,460), Massachusetts ($67,210) and New York ($63,880) follow.
Where do opticians make the most after cost of living?
Connecticut: its median of $75,300 is worth $72,676 at typical US prices. Hawaii, New Jersey and Massachusetts come next.
How much do entry-level opticians make?
BLS does not report pay by experience. The lowest-paid 10% of opticians earn under $35,610 a year, and the lowest-paid quarter under $38,820, which is a reasonable guide to starting pay.
What education do you need to become an optician?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as a high school diploma or equivalent. Work experience in a related job: none. On-the-job training: long-term on-the-job training.
Sources and limits
- Pay and employment: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation 29-2081 (Opticians, Dispensing). Downloaded 2026-10-24.
- OEWS counts wage and salary workers at employers, including tips and commissions but not overtime pay, bonuses that are not tied to production, or benefits. It leaves out the self-employed. BLS does not publish figures above $239,200 a year or for states and metro areas with too few workers.
- Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (US = 100). Rents: Zillow Observed Rent Index, September 2026; Data Provided by Zillow Group.
- Outlook and education: BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35.
- Pay is not broken down by experience, employer or specialty (for example, ER or pediatric nursing); BLS does not publish those splits.