In May 2023, the median annual income for dispensing opticians was $44,170, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The lowest paid 10 percent, which typically included those beginning in the field, earned less than $31,560 a year. The highest paid 10 percent earned more than $69,900. Fifty percent of dispensing opticians earned between $36,380 and $57,490. The DOL reports the following mean annual salaries for dispensing opticians by employer:
- general merchandise retailers: $51,690
- health and personal care retailers: $50,390
- offices of physicians: $47,570
- offices of other health practitioners: $42,640
Supervisors and those with managerial duties typically earn more than skilled workers, depending on their experience, skills, and responsibilities. Dispensing opticians who own their own stores can earn much more.
Depending on their employers, most dispensing opticians enjoy a full complement of benefits, including vacation and sick time as well as holidays and medical and dental insurance. Self-employed workers must provide their own benefits.
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