Average Opticians, Dispensing Salary in Auburn-Opelika, AL
The average salary for Opticians, Dispensings in Auburn-Opelika, AL is $33,190. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Auburn-Opelika, AL may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,190 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 1.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,150.
- Outlook: The current demand for Opticians, Dispensings is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 30 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Auburn-Opelika, AL economy.
Salary Overview
The average Opticians, Dispensing in Auburn-Opelika, AL earns-33.6%below the national average.
$16
$638
$2,766
Opticians, Dispensing Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 1 years, Opticians, Dispensing salaries in Auburn-Opelika, AL have remained stable with a modest increase of 1.4%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Opticians, Dispensing Salary Distribution in Auburn-Opelika, AL
The earning potential for Opticians, Dispensings in Auburn-Opelika, AL varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $29,910, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $42,150.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $29,910 | $14.4 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $24,893 | $12 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $31,440 | $15.1 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $41,488 | $19.9 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $42,150 | $20.3 |
Detailed Opticians, Dispensing Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,190
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,190
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Auburn-Opelika, AL, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $33,190 to $33,190.
Job Market Context
30
Total Jobs
0.464
Per 1K Jobs
0.9
Location Quotient
Auburn-Opelika, AL has 0.90x the national average concentration of Opticians, Dispensing jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
30 people work as Opticians, Dispensing in Auburn-Opelika, AL.
Only 0.464 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Opticians, Dispensing roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Opticians, Dispensing
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Columbus, GA-AL Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $43,470↑ 31% | 36 mi |
| Montgomery, AL Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $35,540↑ 7% | 49 mi |
| Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $35,870↑ 8% | 77 mi |
| Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $35,910↑ 8% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Auburn-Opelika, AL
Hiring Opticians, Dispensings?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Opticians, Dispensing make in Auburn-Opelika, AL?
The median annual salary for a Opticians, Dispensing in Auburn-Opelika, AL is $33,190. This typically ranges from $29,910 for entry-level positions to $42,150 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Auburn-Opelika, AL is 33.6% lower than the national median of $49,970.
Is Auburn-Opelika, AL a good place for Opticians, Dispensings?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Opticians, Dispensing salary in Auburn-Opelika, AL is $33,190 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Auburn-Opelika, AL. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Auburn-Opelika, AL a good place to live for Opticians, Dispensings?
The Cost of Living Index in Auburn-Opelika, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Auburn-Opelika, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Columbus, GA-AL ($43,470) and Montgomery, AL.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 30 employees in the Auburn-Opelika, AL area with a job density of 0.464 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Opticians, Dispensing • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Auburn-Opelika, AL