Dispensing Opticians
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$46,560
~$22/hr · ~$3,880/mo
US Jobs
80K
As fast as average
AI & Automation Risk
4/10
Low Risk
AI & Automation Risk
Low Risk 4/10
The role involves a significant amount of physical, hands-on work such as measuring faces, adjusting frames with tools, and teaching patients how to insert contact lenses. While AI can automate administrative tasks and assist in frame selection via virtual try-on technology, the core requirements of physical fitting, manual repairs, and real-time interpersonal healthcare guidance provide a buffer against full automation.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norwich-New London-Willimantic, CTBEST VALUE | $68,790 | Average (100.7) | $68,315 |
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT Metropolitan Statistical Area | $72,750 | Above avg (107.0) | $67,984 |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ | $64,940 | Average (98.9) | $65,659 |
| Syracuse, NY | $62,400 | Below avg (95.7) | $65,192 |
| Utica-Rome, NY | $60,420 | Below avg (92.7) | $65,153 |
| Springfield, MA | $63,420 | Average (98.1) | $64,669 |
| Binghamton, NY | $59,330 | Below avg (92.1) | $64,426 |
| Burlington-South Burlington, VT | $63,940 | Average (100.8) | $63,462 |
| Harrisonburg, VA | $59,280 | Below avg (93.5) | $63,389 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $62,130 | Average (98.2) | $63,284 |
| Glens Falls, NY | $59,450 | Below avg (94.1) | $63,209 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY | $59,710 | Below avg (94.9) | $62,905 |
| Barnstable Town, MA | $66,880 | Above avg (106.5) | $62,805 |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC | $58,240 | Below avg (92.9) | $62,698 |
| Worcester, MA | $64,520 | Average (103.0) | $62,652 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
High school diploma or equivalent
10-Year Growth
+3% (As fast as average)
Hourly Rate
~$22/hr
Monthly Income
~$3,880/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)