Average Opticians, Dispensing Salary in Illinois
In Illinois, the average annual salary for Dispensing Opticians stands at $44,560, which is notably below the national average of $49,970. This differential is often influenced by a combination of regional economic factors, the specific demand within the state's healthcare sector, and the overall cost of living.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $44,560 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $62,560.
- Outlook: Illinois boasts a substantial workforce of 3,660 Dispensing Opticians, indicating a significant presence in the state's employment landscape. The Location Quotient of 1.17 suggests a slightly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, implying a steady demand and a robust job market for skilled opticians within Illinois.
Salary Overview
The average Opticians, Dispensing in Illinois earns-10.8%below the national average.
$21.4
$857
$3,713
Opticians, Dispensing Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Dispensing Opticians in Illinois have experienced a gradual upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns of wage growth driven by inflation, increased demand for vision care, and evolving industry standards.
Opticians, Dispensing Salary Distribution in Illinois
Career progression for Dispensing Opticians in Illinois typically correlates 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, reflecting their expertise and value to employers. The salary distribution across different experience levels highlights clear opportunities for career advancement.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $36,200 | $17.4 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $33,420 | $16.1 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $41,230 | $19.8 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $55,700 | $26.8 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $62,560 | $30.1 |
Detailed Opticians, Dispensing Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$44,560
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$48,540
Adjusted for COL (91.8)
The average annual salary of $44,560 in Illinois presents a favorable financial picture when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 91.8. This index, being below the national average of 100, suggests that the nominal salary earned by opticians in Illinois offers a relatively strong purchasing power, potentially allowing for a higher standard of living compared to areas with a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
3,660
Total Jobs
0.604
Per 1K Jobs
1.17
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.17, Illinois has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Opticians, Dispensing roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.17, Illinois exhibits a concentration of Dispensing Opticians that is 17% higher than the national average. This indicates a healthy and perhaps slightly more competitive market for these professionals, suggesting that employers in Illinois actively seek out and value the expertise of opticians, potentially leading to more job opportunities and a stable employment environment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Opticians, Dispensing
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IL Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $41,360↓ 7% | 9 mi |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $42,240↓ 5% | 41 mi |
| Peoria, IL Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $43,660↓ 2% | 43 mi |
| Springfield, IL Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $41,840↓ 6% | 53 mi |
Comparing salaries near Illinois
Hiring Opticians, Dispensings?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Opticians, Dispensing make in Illinois?
The median annual salary for a Opticians, Dispensing in Illinois is $44,560. This typically ranges from $36,200 for entry-level positions to $62,560 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Illinois is 10.8% lower than the national median of $49,970.
Is Illinois a lucrative place for Opticians, Dispensings?
Yes, Illinois offers a good value for Dispensing Opticians.While the average salary is below the national average, the lower cost of living means your earnings can stretch further. The strong concentration of opticians also suggests consistent demand.
Is Illinois a good place to live for Opticians, Dispensings?
With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Illinois?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bloomington, IL ($41,360) and Champaign-Urbana, IL.
What is the average salary for a Dispensing Optician in Illinois?
The average annual salary for a Dispensing Optician in Illinois is $44,560.
How does the Illinois salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Illinois ($44,560) is lower than the national average ($49,970).
Is there a high demand for Opticians in Illinois?
Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.17 indicates a slightly higher concentration of opticians in Illinois than the national average, suggesting a robust demand.
How does the cost of living in Illinois affect an Optician's salary?
Illinois has a cost of living index of 91.8, which is below the national average. This means the $44,560 salary offers good purchasing power.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,660 employees in the Illinois area with a job density of 0.604 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 Illinois