SalaryNode

Average Opticians, Dispensing Salary in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX

Opticians, Dispensing professionals in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX area earn an average annual salary of $41,160. This figure is notably below the national average of $49,970, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a different cost-of-living structure influence compensation in this region. While the nominal salary may seem lower, understanding the local economic context is crucial for a complete picture.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $41,160 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $50,600.
  • Outlook: The Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX area supports a local workforce of approximately 700 Opticians, Dispensing. With a Location Quotient of 1.08, the concentration of these roles is slightly above the national average, indicating a stable, albeit not overwhelmingly high, demand for these professionals within the region. This suggests a consistent job market with opportunities for skilled individuals.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$41,160

The average Opticians, Dispensing in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX earns-17.6%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$19.8

Weekly

$792

Monthly

$3,430

Opticians, Dispensing Salary Distribution in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX

Career progression for Opticians, Dispensing in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching into the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$30,280$14.6
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$30,870$14.8
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$38,730$18.6
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$51,450$24.7
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$50,600$24.3

Detailed Opticians, Dispensing Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$41,160

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$41,160

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $41,160 for Opticians, Dispensing in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of an Optician's salary in this metropolitan area is equivalent to that of an Optician in a national average cost-of-living area, offering a balanced financial landscape.

Job Market Context

700

Total Jobs

0.556

Per 1K Jobs

1.08

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.08, Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Opticians, Dispensing roles compared to the national norm.

With a Location Quotient of 1.08, the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX metropolitan area exhibits a slightly higher concentration of Opticians, Dispensing compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market is competitive but also indicates a healthy demand for these professionals, with opportunities likely being present for those seeking employment or career advancement in the field.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Opticians, Dispensing make in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX?

The median annual salary for a Opticians, Dispensing in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX is $41,160. This typically ranges from $30,280 for entry-level positions to $50,600 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX is 17.6% lower than the national median of $49,970.

Is Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX a lucrative place for Opticians, Dispensings?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the nominal salary of $41,160 is below the national average of $49,970, indicating less lucrative earning potential in this specific region.

Is Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX a good place to live for Opticians, Dispensings?

The Cost of Living Index in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX?

Some top paying nearby cities include North Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area ($35,810) and Northwestern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area.

How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?

The Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX area has 0.556 jobs per 1,000 workers for Opticians, Dispensing, which is a specific metric of local job density.

What is the total number of Opticians, Dispensing in the Austin area?

There are approximately 700 Opticians, Dispensing employed within the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX metropolitan area.

Does experience significantly impact an Optician's salary in Austin?

Yes, experience is a key factor in salary progression, with senior roles commanding higher compensation than entry-level positions.

How does the local salary compare to the national average salary for Opticians, Dispensing?

The average local salary of $41,160 is lower than the national average of $49,970 for Opticians, Dispensing.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 700 employees in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX area with a job density of 0.556 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.