Average Opticians, Dispensing Salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Yes, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is a highly lucrative market for Opticians, Dispensings. With an average annual salary of $58,000, professionals here earn significantly more than the national norm.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $58,000 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.0% ↗ 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 50 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Opticians, Dispensing in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA earns+16.1%above the national average.
$27.9
$1,115
$4,833
Opticians, Dispensing Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Opticians, Dispensing salaries in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA have shown healthy growth of 20.0%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Opticians, Dispensing Salary Distribution in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
The earning potential for Opticians, Dispensings in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, 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 $48,090, 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) | $48,090 | $23.1 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $43,500 | $20.9 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $55,010 | $26.4 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $72,500 | $34.9 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $74,670 | $35.9 |
Detailed Opticians, Dispensing Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$58,000
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$58,000
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $58,000 to $58,000.
Job Market Context
50
Total Jobs
0.537
Per 1K Jobs
1.04
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.04, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Opticians, Dispensing roles compared to the national norm.
50 people work as Opticians, Dispensing in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA.
Only 0.537 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. |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $67,010↑ 16% | 26 mi |
| Salinas, CA Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $56,320↓ 3% | 30 mi |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $65,150↑ 12% | 58 mi |
| Modesto, CA Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $55,960↓ 4% | 73 mi |
| Vallejo, CA Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $63,280↑ 9% | 79 mi |
Comparing salaries near Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Hiring Opticians, Dispensings?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Opticians, Dispensing make in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
The median annual salary for a Opticians, Dispensing in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $58,000. This typically ranges from $48,090 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 Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is 16.1% higher than the national median of $49,970.
Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a good place for Opticians, Dispensings?
Yes, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is financially attractive for Opticians, Dispensings. The average salary of $58,000 exceeds the national average. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a good place to live for Opticians, Dispensings?
The Cost of Living Index in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($67,010) and Salinas, CA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 50 employees in the Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA area with a job density of 0.537 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 Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA