Average Opticians, Dispensing Salary in Kansas City, MO-KS
In Kansas City, MO-KS, the average annual salary for Dispensing Opticians is $44,940, which is slightly below the national average of $49,970. This localized compensation reflects the specific economic conditions and demand within the Kansas City metropolitan area. Factors such as the local cost of living and the concentration of optical businesses play a significant role in determining this pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $44,940 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $53,100.
- Outlook: The Kansas City, MO-KS market for Dispensing Opticians is moderately sized, with a total local workforce of 550 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.97 indicates that the concentration of these professionals is very close to the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand. With 0.499 jobs per 1,000 workers, the market offers consistent opportunities without being oversaturated.
Salary Overview
The average Opticians, Dispensing in Kansas City, MO-KS earns-10.1%below the national average.
$21.6
$864
$3,745
Opticians, Dispensing Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Kansas City's Dispensing Optician salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is generally assumed that compensation in this field has seen modest growth, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery and an aging population often contribute to increased demand for vision care services, which typically translates into upward pressure on wages for skilled professionals like opticians.
Opticians, Dispensing Salary Distribution in Kansas City, MO-KS
Career progression for Dispensing Opticians in Kansas City, MO-KS, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior opticians with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps between entry-level, mid-career, and senior roles highlight the potential for substantial income growth throughout one's career.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $34,280 | $16.5 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $33,705 | $16.2 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $38,460 | $18.5 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $56,175 | $27 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $53,100 | $25.5 |
Detailed Opticians, Dispensing Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$44,940
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$44,940
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $44,940 in Kansas City, MO-KS, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an optician's salary in Kansas City is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for residents.
Job Market Context
550
Total Jobs
0.499
Per 1K Jobs
0.97
Location Quotient
Kansas City, MO-KS has 0.97x 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 0.97, the Kansas City, MO-KS market for Dispensing Opticians is nearly on par with the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a competitive yet balanced job market where opportunities exist, but the number of professionals is closely aligned with the demand, indicating a healthy equilibrium.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Opticians, Dispensing
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Topeka, KS Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $38,600↓ 14% | 60 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kansas City, MO-KS
Hiring Opticians, Dispensings?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Opticians, Dispensing make in Kansas City, MO-KS?
The median annual salary for a Opticians, Dispensing in Kansas City, MO-KS is $44,940. This typically ranges from $34,280 for entry-level positions to $53,100 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kansas City, MO-KS is 10.1% lower than the national median of $49,970.
Is Kansas City, MO-KS a lucrative place for Opticians, Dispensings?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $44,940 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average. While stable, it does not offer a substantial financial advantage over other regions.
Is Kansas City, MO-KS a good place to live for Opticians, Dispensings?
The Cost of Living Index in Kansas City, MO-KS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kansas City, MO-KS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Topeka, KS ($38,600) and others.
How does the Kansas City optician salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Dispensing Opticians in Kansas City, MO-KS is $44,940, which is approximately 10% lower than the national average of $49,970.
What is the cost of living in Kansas City, MO-KS for opticians?
The cost of living in Kansas City, MO-KS is exactly at the national average, indicated by a Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an optician's salary is comparable to the national standard.
How concentrated is the optician job market in Kansas City?
The job market for opticians in Kansas City is very close to the national average concentration, with a Location Quotient of 0.97. This suggests a stable demand for these professionals.
What is the total number of dispensing opticians in Kansas City?
There are approximately 550 Dispensing Opticians employed within the Kansas City, MO-KS 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 550 employees in the Kansas City, MO-KS area with a job density of 0.499 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 Kansas City, MO-KS