Design, measure, fit, and adapt lenses and frames for client according to written optical prescription or specification. Assist client with inserting, removing, and caring for contact lenses. Assist client with selecting frames. Measure customer for size of eyeglasses and coordinate frames with facial and eye measurements and optical prescription. Prepare work order for optical laboratory containing instructions for grinding and mounting lenses in frames. Verify exactness of finished lens spectacles. Adjust frame and lens position to fit client. May shape or reshape frames. Includes contact lens opticians.
Opticians, Dispensing
SOC: 29-2081 O*NET: 29-2081.00
Median Salary
$46,560
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 2.9%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
6.8
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
Design, measure, fit, and adapt lenses and frames for client according to written optical prescription or specification. Assist client with inserting, removing, and caring for contact lenses. Assist client with selecting frames. Measure customer for size of eyeglasses and coordinate frames with facial and eye measurements and optical prescription. Prepare work order for optical laboratory containing instructions for grinding and mounting lenses in frames. Verify exactness of finished lens spectacles. Adjust frame and lens position to fit client. May shape or reshape frames. Includes contact lens opticians.
Overview
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Distribution by Percentile
Understanding where you might fall in the salary range based on experience and location.
10th
$27,936
25th
$37,248
50th (Median)
$46,560
75th
$55,872
90th
$69,840
Percentile Explained: If you're in the 75th percentile, you earn more than 75% of workers in this occupation. Entry-level positions typically fall in the 10th-25th percentile range, while experienced professionals often reach the 75th-90th percentile.
Typical Benefits Package
Health & Wellness
- ✓Health Insurance
- ✓Dental Insurance
- ✓Vision Insurance
- ✓Mental Health Support
- ✓Wellness Programs
Financial Benefits
- ✓401(k) Retirement Plan
- ✓Employer Match (typically 3-6%)
- ✓Profit Sharing
- ✓Stock Options
- ✓Performance Bonuses
Work-Life Balance
- ✓Paid Time Off (15-25 days)
- ✓Paid Sick Leave
- ✓Flexible Work Arrangements
- ✓Remote Work Options
- ✓Parental Leave
Professional Development
- ✓Tuition Reimbursement
- ✓Professional Certifications
- ✓Conference Attendance
- ✓Training Programs
- ✓Mentorship Opportunities
Note: Benefits vary widely by employer, company size, and location. Large corporations and tech companies often offer more comprehensive packages, while small businesses may offer fewer benefits but more flexibility. Always review the complete compensation package, not just base salary.
Job Market Intelligence
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:79,900
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+2.9%
Annual Openings:6,800
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)79,900
Current
2034 (Projected)82,200
+2.9%
+2,300
Employment Change
+2.9%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
Top Skills
✓
Speaking
Speaking
✓
Active Listening
Active Listening
✓
Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension
✓
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking
✓
Service Orientation
Service Orientation
✓
Writing
Writing
✓
Persuasion
Persuasion
✓
Coordination
Coordination
✓
Social Perceptiveness
Social Perceptiveness
✓
Judgment and Decision Making
Judgment and Decision Making
Key Knowledge Areas
✓
Customer and Personal Service
✓
Sales and Marketing
✓
Mathematics
✓
Production and Processing
✓
Administrative
✓
English Language
✓
Administration and Management
✓
Education and Training
✓
Psychology
✓
Law and Government
Education & Training
Education Required
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Experience Required
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Job Training
Training of more than one year