Optician Compensation

The median annual wage of opticians was $32,940 in May 2010. 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 $21,070, and the top 10 percent earned more than $50,780.

Median annual wages in the industries employing the largest number of dispensing opticians in May 2010 were as follows:

Other general merchandise stores	$36,280
Health and personal care stores	$35,470
Offices of physicians	$33,980
Offices of optometrists	$30,370
Department stores	$29,660

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: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition