Average Opticians, Dispensing Salary in Salinas, CA
Yes, Salinas, CA is a highly lucrative market for Opticians, Dispensings. With an average annual salary of $56,320, professionals here earn significantly more than the national norm.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $56,320 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $74,670.
- Outlook: The current demand for Opticians, Dispensings is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 60 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Salinas, CA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Opticians, Dispensing in Salinas, CA earns+12.7%above the national average.
$27.1
$1,083
$4,693
Opticians, Dispensing Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Opticians, Dispensing salaries in Salinas, CA have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 31.3%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Opticians, Dispensing Salary Distribution in Salinas, CA
The earning potential for Opticians, Dispensings in Salinas, CA 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 $39,560, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $74,670.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $39,560 | $19 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $42,240 | $20.3 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $55,700 | $26.8 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $70,400 | $33.8 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $74,670 | $35.9 |
Detailed Opticians, Dispensing Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$56,320
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$56,320
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Salinas, CA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $56,320 to $56,320.
Job Market Context
60
Total Jobs
0.345
Per 1K Jobs
0.67
Location Quotient
Salinas, CA has 0.67x 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.
60 people work as Opticians, Dispensing in Salinas, CA.
Only 0.345 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. |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $58,000↑ 3% | 30 mi |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $67,010↑ 19% | 47 mi |
| Modesto, CA Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $55,960↓ 1% | 74 mi |
| Merced, CA Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $52,250↓ 7% | 77 mi |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $65,150↑ 16% | 86 mi |
Comparing salaries near Salinas, CA
Hiring Opticians, Dispensings?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Opticians, Dispensing make in Salinas, CA?
The median annual salary for a Opticians, Dispensing in Salinas, CA is $56,320. This typically ranges from $39,560 for entry-level positions to $74,670 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Salinas, CA is 12.7% higher than the national median of $49,970.
Is Salinas, CA a good place for Opticians, Dispensings?
Yes, Salinas, CA is financially attractive for Opticians, Dispensings. The average salary of $56,320 exceeds the national average. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Salinas, CA a good place to live for Opticians, Dispensings?
The Cost of Living Index in Salinas, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Salinas, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($58,000) and San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 60 employees in the Salinas, CA area with a job density of 0.345 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Opticians, Dispensing Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Salinas, CA
- All Occupations Salary in Salinas, CA
- Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary in Salinas, CA
- Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse Salary in Salinas, CA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Salinas, CA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Salinas, CA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Salinas, CA
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Salinas, CA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Salinas, CA
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Salinas, CA
- Management Occupations Salary in Salinas, CA
- Browse All Jobs in Salinas, CA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Opticians, Dispensing • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Salinas, CA