Average Opticians, Dispensing Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
The average salary for a Opticians, Dispensing in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $46,080. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market. Notably, Fort Smith, AR-OK is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 1.38x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $46,080 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $68,240.
- Outlook: The current demand for Opticians, Dispensings is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 70 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Fort Smith, AR-OK economy.
Salary Overview
The average Opticians, Dispensing in Fort Smith, AR-OK earns-7.8%below the national average.
$22.2
$886
$3,840
Opticians, Dispensing Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Opticians, Dispensing salaries in Fort Smith, AR-OK have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 22.7%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Opticians, Dispensing Salary Distribution in Fort Smith, AR-OK
The earning potential for Opticians, Dispensings in Fort Smith, AR-OK 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 $29,240, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $68,240.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $29,240 | $14.1 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $34,560 | $16.6 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $39,870 | $19.2 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $57,600 | $27.7 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $68,240 | $32.8 |
Detailed Opticians, Dispensing Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$46,080
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$46,080
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Fort Smith, AR-OK, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $46,080 to $46,080.
Job Market Context
70
Total Jobs
0.714
Per 1K Jobs
1.38
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.38, Fort Smith, AR-OK has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Opticians, Dispensing roles compared to the national norm.
70 people work as Opticians, Dispensing in Fort Smith, AR-OK.
Only 0.714 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. |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $49,970↑ 8% | 51 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $47,670↑ 3% | 96 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fort Smith, AR-OK
Hiring Opticians, Dispensings?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Opticians, Dispensing make in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The median annual salary for a Opticians, Dispensing in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $46,080. This typically ranges from $29,240 for entry-level positions to $68,240 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 7.8% lower than the national median of $49,970.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place for Opticians, Dispensings?
Yes, Fort Smith, AR-OK is highly recommended due to strong job demand. While salaries are competitive ($46,080), the area is particularly notable for its high job density for Opticians, Dispensings. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place to live for Opticians, Dispensings?
The Cost of Living Index in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Fort Smith, AR-OK?
Some top paying nearby cities include Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR ($49,970) and Hot Springs, AR.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 70 employees in the Fort Smith, AR-OK area with a job density of 0.714 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 Fort Smith, AR-OK