Average Opticians, Dispensing Salary in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD
In the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD metropolitan area, Opticians, Dispensing earn an average annual salary of $47,260. This figure is slightly below the national average of $49,970, indicating localized economic factors and demand dynamics influence compensation in this region. The specific pay scale reflects the unique interplay of the local job market and the cost of living.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $47,260 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $60,020.
- Outlook: The Baltimore-Columbia-Towson area supports a dedicated workforce of 510 Opticians, Dispensing. With a Location Quotient of 0.73, the concentration of these roles is somewhat lower than the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally concentrated job market. The presence of 0.377 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent, albeit moderate, demand for skilled professionals in this field.
Salary Overview
The average Opticians, Dispensing in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD earns-5.4%below the national average.
$22.7
$909
$3,938
Opticians, Dispensing Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Opticians, Dispensing in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson area have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for optical services, and advancements in technology requiring specialized skills.
Opticians, Dispensing Salary Distribution in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD
Career progression for Opticians, Dispensing in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior Opticians with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries well above the average, reflecting the value of their expertise and client management capabilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $35,070 | $16.9 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $35,445 | $17 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $45,290 | $21.8 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $59,075 | $28.4 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $60,020 | $28.9 |
Detailed Opticians, Dispensing Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$47,260
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$47,260
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $47,260 in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an Optician's salary in this region is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the slightly lower salary is balanced by the absence of elevated living expenses.
Job Market Context
510
Total Jobs
0.377
Per 1K Jobs
0.73
Location Quotient
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD has 0.73x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.73 for Opticians, Dispensing in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson indicates that this profession is less concentrated here compared to the national average. This suggests that while opportunities exist, the market may be less saturated, potentially offering a competitive edge for qualified candidates seeking employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Opticians, Dispensing
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland nonmetropolitan area Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $42,490↓ 10% | 19 mi |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $57,580↑ 22% | 35 mi |
| York-Hanover, PA Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $41,310↓ 13% | 47 mi |
| Lancaster, PA Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $46,220↓ 2% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD
Hiring Opticians, Dispensings?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Opticians, Dispensing make in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD?
The median annual salary for a Opticians, Dispensing in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD is $47,260. This typically ranges from $35,070 for entry-level positions to $60,020 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD is 5.4% lower than the national median of $49,970.
Is Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD a lucrative place for Opticians, Dispensings?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $47,260 is below the national average, although the cost of living is on par. This suggests that while expenses are not higher, the earning potential is slightly reduced compared to national benchmarks.
Is Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD a good place to live for Opticians, Dispensings?
The Cost of Living Index in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD?
Some top paying nearby cities include Maryland nonmetropolitan area ($42,490) and Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV.
How does the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson Optician salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Opticians, Dispensing in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson is $47,260, which is slightly lower than the national average of $49,970.
What is the concentration of Opticians, Dispensing in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson compared to the rest of the US?
The Location Quotient is 0.73, meaning the concentration of Opticians, Dispensing in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson is 27% lower than the national average.
Does the cost of living in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson affect the Optician salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the slightly lower salary is offset by average living expenses, making the purchasing power comparable to the national level.
How many Opticians, Dispensing are there in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson area?
There are approximately 510 Opticians, Dispensing employed in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 510 employees in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD area with a job density of 0.377 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 Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD