Average Opticians, Dispensing Salary in Lafayette, LA
The average salary for Opticians, Dispensings in Lafayette, LA is $36,960. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Lafayette, LA may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,960 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $59,370.
- Outlook: The current demand for Opticians, Dispensings is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 100 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Lafayette, LA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Opticians, Dispensing in Lafayette, LA earns-26.0%below the national average.
$17.8
$711
$3,080
Opticians, Dispensing Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Opticians, Dispensing salaries in Lafayette, LA have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 21.6%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Opticians, Dispensing Salary Distribution in Lafayette, LA
The earning potential for Opticians, Dispensings in Lafayette, LA 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 $27,440, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $59,370.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $27,440 | $13.2 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $27,720 | $13.3 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $32,010 | $15.4 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $46,200 | $22.2 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $59,370 | $28.5 |
Detailed Opticians, Dispensing Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,960
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,960
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Lafayette, LA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $36,960 to $36,960.
Job Market Context
100
Total Jobs
0.559
Per 1K Jobs
1.08
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.08, Lafayette, LA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Opticians, Dispensing roles compared to the national norm.
100 people work as Opticians, Dispensing in Lafayette, LA.
Only 0.559 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. |
|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge, LA Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $39,560↑ 7% | 56 mi |
| Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $36,570↓ 1% | 67 mi |
| Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $38,040↑ 3% | 67 mi |
| Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $36,620↓ 1% | 67 mi |
| Lake Charles, LA Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $36,130↓ 2% | 70 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lafayette, LA
Hiring Opticians, Dispensings?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Opticians, Dispensing make in Lafayette, LA?
The median annual salary for a Opticians, Dispensing in Lafayette, LA is $36,960. This typically ranges from $27,440 for entry-level positions to $59,370 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lafayette, LA is 26.0% lower than the national median of $49,970.
Is Lafayette, LA a good place for Opticians, Dispensings?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Opticians, Dispensing salary in Lafayette, LA is $36,960 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Lafayette, LA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Lafayette, LA a good place to live for Opticians, Dispensings?
The Cost of Living Index in Lafayette, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lafayette, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Baton Rouge, LA ($39,560) and Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 100 employees in the Lafayette, LA area with a job density of 0.559 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 Lafayette, LA