Opticians, Dispensing
Opticians help fit eyeglasses and contact lenses, following prescriptions from ophthalmologists and optometrists.
Is opticians, dispensing a good career?
It scores 13/100 and ranks #575 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- No college degree typically required to enter
Possible tradeoffs
- Pays below the U.S. median wage ($47,260 vs $61,390)
- Slower-than-average projected growth (+2.9%)
What opticians, dispensing earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. opticians, dispensing earn between $38,820 and $61,700 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Live opticians, dispensing jobs
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- Typical education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- Long-term on-the-job training
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow as fast as average through 2034.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Some states require opticians to be licensed. In addition to passing one or more exams, licensure usually requires completing an approved educational program or completing an apprenticeship or other supervised work experience.
Employers may require or prefer to hire candidates who have certification in eyeglass dispensing and contact lens dispensing. Both specialties require passing a separate examination. Many state licensing boards require a passing score on qualifying exams for licensure. Other states require opticians to pass state-specific examinations.
Maintaining certification requires completing a specified number of continuing education credits. Some states require continuing education to maintain licensure.
Important qualities
Business skills. Opticians may be responsible for operating an optical store. They should have some knowledge of sales and inventory management.
Communication skills. Opticians must be able to clearly explain options for frames and lenses. They also need to provide instruction about caring for eyewear in ways that customers understand.
Customer-service skills. Opticians must be knowledgeable about the products they sell. When interacting with customers, they should be friendly, patient, and helpful.
Decision-making skills. Opticians must decide which materials and designs are most appropriate for each customer’s preferences and lifestyle. They also determine what adjustments, if any, need to be made to eyeglasses and lenses.
Detail oriented. Opticians must be precise when taking customers’ measurements and recording lens type, product number, and other information for work orders. They also must maintain customer files in an orderly manner.
Dexterity. Opticians frequently use special tools, such as pliers and pupilometers, to adjust and repair eyeglasses. They must have good hand-eye coordination to work accurately.
Related occupations
How much do opticians, dispensing make?
The national median wage is $47,260 a year, with the middle half earning between $38,820 and $61,700 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is opticians, dispensing a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 13 of 100 and ranks #575 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +2.9% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a opticians, dispensing?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent.
Where do opticians, dispensing earn the most?
Among states, Connecticut pays the highest median ($75,300). Local pay for every state and metro is below.