How Much Do Opticians Make?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that opticians make a median annual income of $37,570 or $18 per hour. The lowest 10% of opticians earned less than $28,910 and the highest 10% earned more than $60,280.

Do Opticians Get Paid Well?

Opticians earn less than the average worker in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for opticians is $37,570 per year. This is 10 percent less than the average salary for all occupations, which is $45,760.

How Much Do Opticians Make Starting Out?

The BLS does not provide average compensation data for entry-level positions for opticians just starting out, but the bottom 25% of opticians earn $30,310 each year according to the BLS.

How Many Opticians Are There In The United States?

In 2021, there were 69,800 opticians in the United States. The BLS predicts the number of opticians will increase by 6 percent, approximately 4,300 jobs, by 2030.

Where Can Opticians Earn The Most?

Opticians' salaries depend on location and work setting. According to the BLS, opticians earn the most in the following industries: offices of other health practitioners, health and personal care stores and general merchandise stores. The metropolitan areas with the highest pay for opticians are:

1. Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT - $70,300
2. New Haven, CT - $69,460
3. Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT - $65,010

Where to Find Optician Programs Near You

How Much Do Opticians Earn In Each State?

The table below compares optician salaries across states and U.S. territories (Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wages May 2020). You can also find data for the number of opticians in each state as well as the number of opticians per 1,000 jobs—a figure that can help you determine the job's popularity in a given location. Not all locations have employment statistics.