Average Opticians, Dispensing Salary in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
Opticians, Dispensing in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area earn an average annual salary of $51,490. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $49,970, indicating a modest premium for professionals in this region. Local economic factors and demand dynamics likely contribute to this slightly elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $51,490 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $72,590.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 1,310 Opticians, Dispensing, the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington area demonstrates a stable employment base for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.88 suggests that the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average, implying a steady but not overly saturated market.
Salary Overview
The average Opticians, Dispensing in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD earns+3.0%above the national average.
$24.8
$990
$4,291
Opticians, Dispensing Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Opticians, Dispensing in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington area have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation adjustments seen across many professions.
Opticians, Dispensing Salary Distribution in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
Career progression for Opticians, Dispensing typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior or highly experienced professionals can command salaries significantly above the average, reflecting their accumulated expertise and client base.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $37,880 | $18.2 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $38,618 | $18.6 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $48,830 | $23.5 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $64,363 | $30.9 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $72,590 | $34.9 |
Detailed Opticians, Dispensing Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$51,490
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$51,490
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $51,490 in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an Optician's salary in this region is comparable to the national standard, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of affordability.
Job Market Context
1,310
Total Jobs
0.457
Per 1K Jobs
0.88
Location Quotient
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD has 0.88x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.88 indicates that Opticians, Dispensing are slightly less concentrated in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington area compared to the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive job market where demand is present but not overwhelmingly high, offering a balanced environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Opticians, Dispensing
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $64,120↑ 25% | 28 mi |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $48,130↓ 7% | 47 mi |
| Sussex Delaware nonmetropolitan area Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $42,960↓ 17% | 47 mi |
| Reading, PA Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $42,970↓ 17% | 48 mi |
Comparing salaries near Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
Hiring Opticians, Dispensings?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Opticians, Dispensing make in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD?
The median annual salary for a Opticians, Dispensing in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is $51,490. This typically ranges from $37,880 for entry-level positions to $72,590 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is 3.0% higher than the national median of $49,970.
Is Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD a lucrative place for Opticians, Dispensings?
Yes, slightly.The average salary of $51,490 is above the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, making it a moderately lucrative location.
Is Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD a good place to live for Opticians, Dispensings?
The Cost of Living Index in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD?
Some top paying nearby cities include Trenton-Princeton, NJ ($64,120) and Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ.
How does the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Opticians, Dispensing in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington is $51,490, which is higher than the national average of $49,970.
What is the job market like for Opticians, Dispensing in this area?
The job market is stable with a total of 1,310 Opticians, Dispensing employed locally, and a Location Quotient of 0.88 suggesting a slightly lower concentration than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington?
The cost of living index is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the nominal salary of $51,490 has purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
Does experience significantly impact an Optician's salary in this region?
Yes, experience typically leads to higher salaries, with entry-level positions earning less and senior roles commanding significantly more than the average salary.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,310 employees in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area with a job density of 0.457 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 Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD