Average Opticians, Dispensing Salary in Reading, PA
The average salary for Opticians, Dispensings in Reading, PA is $42,970. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Reading, PA may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $42,970 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 38.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $50,240.
- Outlook: The current demand for Opticians, Dispensings is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 80 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Reading, PA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Opticians, Dispensing in Reading, PA earns-14.0%below the national average.
$20.7
$826
$3,581
Opticians, Dispensing Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Opticians, Dispensing salaries in Reading, PA have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 38.7%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Opticians, Dispensing Salary Distribution in Reading, PA
The earning potential for Opticians, Dispensings in Reading, PA 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 $29,650, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $50,240.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $29,650 | $14.3 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $32,228 | $15.5 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $43,850 | $21.1 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $53,713 | $25.8 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $50,240 | $24.2 |
Detailed Opticians, Dispensing Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$42,970
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$42,970
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Reading, PA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $42,970 to $42,970.
Job Market Context
80
Total Jobs
0.451
Per 1K Jobs
0.87
Location Quotient
Reading, PA has 0.87x 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.
80 people work as Opticians, Dispensing in Reading, PA.
Only 0.451 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. |
|---|---|---|
| Lebanon, PA Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $41,390↓ 4% | 26 mi |
| Lancaster, PA Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $46,220↑ 8% | 29 mi |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $48,130↑ 12% | 30 mi |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $51,490↑ 20% | 48 mi |
| York-Hanover, PA Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $41,310↓ 4% | 50 mi |
Comparing salaries near Reading, PA
Hiring Opticians, Dispensings?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Opticians, Dispensing make in Reading, PA?
The median annual salary for a Opticians, Dispensing in Reading, PA is $42,970. This typically ranges from $29,650 for entry-level positions to $50,240 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Reading, PA is 14.0% lower than the national median of $49,970.
Is Reading, PA a good place for Opticians, Dispensings?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Opticians, Dispensing salary in Reading, PA is $42,970 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Reading, PA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Reading, PA a good place to live for Opticians, Dispensings?
The Cost of Living Index in Reading, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Reading, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lebanon, PA ($41,390) and Lancaster, PA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 80 employees in the Reading, PA area with a job density of 0.451 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 Reading, PA