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Average Opticians, Dispensing Salary in California

Opticians, Dispensing in California earn an average annual salary of $59,000, significantly surpassing the national average of $49,970. This higher compensation reflects the state's robust economy and the specialized skills required for dispensing optical needs, often influenced by regional demand and the cost of doing business.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $59,000 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $77,500.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 8,180 Opticians, Dispensing, California demonstrates a significant presence in this field. The Location Quotient of 0.88 suggests a concentration slightly below the national average, indicating a stable yet potentially growing demand for these professionals within the state's healthcare sector.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$59,000

The average Opticians, Dispensing in California earns+18.1%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$28.4

Weekly

$1,135

Monthly

$4,917

Opticians, Dispensing Salary Distribution in California

Career progression for Opticians, Dispensing in California typically involves a salary increase 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 salaries significantly above the average. The salary distribution across different experience levels highlights clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$41,590$20
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$44,250$21.3
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$57,770$27.8
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$73,750$35.5
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$77,500$37.3

Detailed Opticians, Dispensing Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$59,000

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$42,599

Adjusted for COL (138.5)

The average annual salary of $59,000 in California presents a moderate financial picture when contrasted with the state's Cost of Living Index of 138.5, which is considerably higher than the national average. While the nominal salary is attractive, residents should anticipate that a larger portion of their income will be allocated to essential living expenses such as housing, transportation, and utilities.

Job Market Context

8,180

Total Jobs

0.453

Per 1K Jobs

0.88

Location Quotient

Below Average

California has 0.88x 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 0.88 for Opticians, Dispensing in California indicates that the state has a slightly lower concentration of these professionals relative to the national average. This suggests that while the market is not oversaturated, there is a consistent and established presence of these roles, implying a healthy balance between job availability and the number of professionals in the field.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Opticians, Dispensing

CitySalaryDist.
Visalia, CA Opticians, Dispensing Salary$53,130↓ 10%25 mi
Fresno, CA Opticians, Dispensing Salary$53,770↓ 9%46 mi
Bakersfield-Delano, CA Opticians, Dispensing Salary$51,780↓ 12%64 mi
San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA Opticians, Dispensing Salary$55,960↓ 5%81 mi

Comparing salaries near California

Hiring Opticians, Dispensings?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Opticians, Dispensing make in California?

The median annual salary for a Opticians, Dispensing in California is $59,000. This typically ranges from $41,590 for entry-level positions to $77,500 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in California is 18.1% higher than the national median of $49,970.

Is California a lucrative place for Opticians, Dispensings?

Yes, with caveats.California offers a higher average salary for Opticians, Dispensing compared to the national average. However, the significantly higher cost of living means that disposable income may be less than in lower-cost regions.

Is California a good place to live for Opticians, Dispensings?

The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near California?

Some top paying nearby cities include Visalia, CA ($53,130) and Fresno, CA.

What is the average salary for an Optician, Dispensing in California?

The average annual salary for an Optician, Dispensing in California is $59,000.

How does California's Optician salary compare to the national average?

California's average salary of $59,000 is higher than the national average of $49,970.

Is the job market for Opticians, Dispensing strong in California?

With a workforce of 8,180 and a Location Quotient of 0.88, the market shows a stable presence and consistent demand for Opticians, Dispensing in California.

How does the cost of living affect the Optician salary in California?

The high cost of living in California (138.5 index) means that the $59,000 salary, while above the national average, requires careful budgeting for essential expenses.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 8,180 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.453 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Opticians, Dispensing • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California