Optician Earnings

The median annual wage for dispensing opticians was $34,280 in May 2014. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $21,510, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $55,160.

Median annual wages in the industries employing the largest number of dispensing opticians in May 2014 were as follows:

• Offices of physicians: $37,630
• Health and personal care stores: 37,330
• Offices of optometrists: 32,580
• Department stores: 27,590

Opticians employed in department stores or other retail settings may be required to work evenings and weekends. Most opticians work full time, although part-time opportunities also are available.

Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition