Average Opticians, Dispensing Salary in Birmingham, AL
In Birmingham, AL, the average annual salary for an Optician, Dispensing is $37,490. This figure falls below the national average of $49,970, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower demand contribute to this compensation level. Understanding these regional differences is crucial for career planning.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $37,490 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,860.
- Outlook: Birmingham's market for Opticians, Dispensing, with a total local workforce of 220 individuals, indicates a moderately sized professional community. The Location Quotient of 0.84 suggests a concentration slightly below the national average, implying that while the profession is present, it's not disproportionately represented compared to other areas.
Salary Overview
The average Opticians, Dispensing in Birmingham, AL earns-25.0%below the national average.
$18
$721
$3,124
Opticians, Dispensing Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Birmingham's Optician salaries isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in compensation over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic growth, inflation, and evolving demand for optical services typically drive modest annual salary increases for skilled professionals in this field.
Opticians, Dispensing Salary Distribution in Birmingham, AL
Salary progression for Opticians, Dispensing in Birmingham, AL, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior Opticians with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career trajectory and the value placed on expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $31,330 | $15.1 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $28,118 | $13.5 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $36,070 | $17.3 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $46,863 | $22.5 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $46,860 | $22.5 |
Detailed Opticians, Dispensing Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$37,490
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$37,490
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal salary of $37,490 in Birmingham, AL, is directly comparable to the national average cost of living, which stands at an index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is likely on par with what an Optician might experience in a higher-cost-of-living area with a higher nominal salary.
Job Market Context
220
Total Jobs
0.432
Per 1K Jobs
0.84
Location Quotient
Birmingham, AL has 0.84x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.84, the job market for Opticians, Dispensing in Birmingham, AL, is neither exceptionally concentrated nor scarce relative to the national landscape. This suggests a stable, albeit not booming, demand for these professionals, indicating a competitive environment where employers can find qualified candidates without facing extreme shortages.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Opticians, Dispensing
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Tuscaloosa, AL Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $36,550↓ 3% | 47 mi |
| Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $35,870↓ 4% | 50 mi |
| Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $35,910↓ 4% | 50 mi |
| Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $35,660↓ 5% | 50 mi |
Comparing salaries near Birmingham, AL
Hiring Opticians, Dispensings?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Opticians, Dispensing make in Birmingham, AL?
The median annual salary for a Opticians, Dispensing in Birmingham, AL is $37,490. This typically ranges from $31,330 for entry-level positions to $46,860 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Birmingham, AL is 25.0% lower than the national median of $49,970.
Is Birmingham, AL a lucrative place for Opticians, Dispensings?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $37,490 is below the national average of $49,970, although the cost of living is at the national average. This indicates that while your money may go as far, the overall earning potential is lower.
Is Birmingham, AL a good place to live for Opticians, Dispensings?
The Cost of Living Index in Birmingham, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Birmingham, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Tuscaloosa, AL ($36,550) and Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area.
How does experience affect an Optician's salary in Birmingham?
Experience is a significant factor; entry-level Opticians earn less, while senior professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record command higher salaries, reflecting their increased value and expertise in the Birmingham market.
What is the job market like for Opticians in Birmingham?
The market is moderately sized with a concentration slightly below the national average (LQ of 0.84), suggesting stable demand but not an oversupply of professionals, making it a competitive yet accessible field.
How does Birmingham's cost of living compare to the national average?
Birmingham's cost of living is exactly at the national average, with an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the local salary is comparable to the national average.
Are there many Opticians in Birmingham compared to other cities?
The concentration of Opticians, Dispensing in Birmingham is slightly lower than the national average, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.84, suggesting a balanced presence of professionals in the area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 220 employees in the Birmingham, AL area with a job density of 0.432 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 Birmingham, AL