Average Opticians, Dispensing Salary in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX
In Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX, the average annual salary for Dispensing Opticians stands at $37,540. This figure is notably below the national average of $49,970. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the Texas region contribute to this salary differential, reflecting a unique market dynamic for this profession.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $37,540 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,860.
- Outlook: The Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands area employs approximately 1,730 Dispensing Opticians, with a jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio of 0.533. The Location Quotient of 1.03 suggests a concentration of these roles that is slightly above the national average, indicating a stable and present demand for opticians within this metropolitan area.
Salary Overview
The average Opticians, Dispensing in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX earns-24.9%below the national average.
$18.1
$722
$3,128
Opticians, Dispensing Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Houston is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for skilled professions like Dispensing Opticians tend to experience modest annual growth. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for vision care services, and advancements in optical technology, suggesting a positive, albeit potentially gradual, upward trend in compensation over the past four years.
Opticians, Dispensing Salary Distribution in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX
Career progression for Dispensing Opticians in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands 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 significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $29,330 | $14.1 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $28,155 | $13.5 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $36,440 | $17.5 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $46,925 | $22.6 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $45,860 | $22 |
Detailed Opticians, Dispensing Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$37,540
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$37,540
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $37,540 in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services in the area is neither a significant advantage nor disadvantage for opticians.
Job Market Context
1,730
Total Jobs
0.533
Per 1K Jobs
1.03
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.03, Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Opticians, Dispensing roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.03, the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands metropolitan area shows a slight concentration of Dispensing Opticians compared to the national average. This indicates a healthy, balanced job market where the demand for opticians is present and slightly more pronounced than in many other regions, suggesting a competitive but accessible employment landscape for qualified professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Opticians, Dispensing
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $39,730↑ 6% | 77 mi |
| College Station-Bryan, TX Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $36,800↓ 2% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX
Hiring Opticians, Dispensings?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Opticians, Dispensing make in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX?
The median annual salary for a Opticians, Dispensing in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is $37,540. This typically ranges from $29,330 for entry-level positions to $45,860 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is 24.9% lower than the national median of $49,970.
Is Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX a lucrative place for Opticians, Dispensings?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $37,540 is below the national average of $49,970, though the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX a good place to live for Opticians, Dispensings?
The Cost of Living Index in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX?
Some top paying nearby cities include Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($39,730) and College Station-Bryan, TX.
How does the Houston optician salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Dispensing Opticians in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is $37,540, which is lower than the national average of $49,970.
What is the concentration of opticians in Houston compared to the rest of the US?
The Location Quotient for Dispensing Opticians in Houston is 1.03, indicating a concentration that is slightly higher than the national average.
Does the cost of living in Houston affect the value of an optician's salary?
The Cost of Living Index in Houston is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the $37,540 salary has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How many opticians work in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands area?
There are approximately 1,730 Dispensing Opticians employed in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX 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 1,730 employees in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX area with a job density of 0.533 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 Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX