How to become opticians, dispensingeducation, training, experience and the steps to enter
Median annual pay
$47,260
25th–75th pct. $38,820–$61,700
Top pay (est.)
$99,800
Top 10% $76,750
Pay in 5 years
$55,000est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$64,000est.
$55,100–$74,300
Outlook score
49/100
★★☆☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
40%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
+4.2%
5,600 openings / yr
How to become opticians, dispensing
Typical education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Long-term on-the-job training
A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.
Skills, education and requirements for Opticians, Dispensing
Key skills
O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).
Key knowledge areas
What the work involves
Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgePerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsGetting InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsProcessing InformationCoaching and Developing OthersSelling or Influencing Others
Important abilities
Near VisionOral ExpressionOral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionSpeech RecognitionWritten Expression
Education of workers
Training before entry
Related work experience
Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)
Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)
Career path and how to earn more as opticians, dispensing
Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.
Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.