Average Opticians, Dispensing Salary in New Orleans-Metairie, LA
The average salary for Opticians, Dispensings in New Orleans-Metairie, LA is $37,840. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in New Orleans-Metairie, LA may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $37,840 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,130.
- Outlook: The current demand for Opticians, Dispensings is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 150 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader New Orleans-Metairie, LA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Opticians, Dispensing in New Orleans-Metairie, LA earns-24.3%below the national average.
$18.2
$728
$3,153
Opticians, Dispensing Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Opticians, Dispensing salaries in New Orleans-Metairie, LA have shown healthy growth of 15.3%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Opticians, Dispensing Salary Distribution in New Orleans-Metairie, LA
The earning potential for Opticians, Dispensings in New Orleans-Metairie, 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 $30,060, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $47,130.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $30,060 | $14.5 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $28,380 | $13.6 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $35,000 | $16.8 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $47,300 | $22.7 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $47,130 | $22.7 |
Detailed Opticians, Dispensing Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$37,840
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$37,840
Adjusted for COL (100)
In New Orleans-Metairie, LA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $37,840 to $37,840.
Job Market Context
150
Total Jobs
0.335
Per 1K Jobs
0.65
Location Quotient
New Orleans-Metairie, LA has 0.65x 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.
150 people work as Opticians, Dispensing in New Orleans-Metairie, LA.
Only 0.335 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. |
|---|---|---|
| Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $38,090↑ 1% | 18 mi |
| Gulfport-Biloxi, MS Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $33,950↓ 10% | 57 mi |
| Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $36,850↓ 3% | 58 mi |
| Baton Rouge, LA Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $39,560↑ 5% | 76 mi |
Comparing salaries near New Orleans-Metairie, LA
Hiring Opticians, Dispensings?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Opticians, Dispensing make in New Orleans-Metairie, LA?
The median annual salary for a Opticians, Dispensing in New Orleans-Metairie, LA is $37,840. This typically ranges from $30,060 for entry-level positions to $47,130 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in New Orleans-Metairie, LA is 24.3% lower than the national median of $49,970.
Is New Orleans-Metairie, LA a good place for Opticians, Dispensings?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Opticians, Dispensing salary in New Orleans-Metairie, LA is $37,840 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of New Orleans-Metairie, LA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is New Orleans-Metairie, LA a good place to live for Opticians, Dispensings?
The Cost of Living Index in New Orleans-Metairie, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near New Orleans-Metairie, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA ($38,090) and Gulfport-Biloxi, MS.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 150 employees in the New Orleans-Metairie, LA area with a job density of 0.335 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 New Orleans-Metairie, LA