Average Opticians, Dispensing Salary in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
Yes, Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is a highly lucrative market for Opticians, Dispensings. With an average annual salary of $57,220, professionals here earn significantly more than the national norm.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $57,220 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $78,090.
- 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 Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Opticians, Dispensing in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA earns+14.5%above the national average.
$27.5
$1,100
$4,768
Opticians, Dispensing Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Opticians, Dispensing salaries in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA have shown healthy growth of 13.5%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Opticians, Dispensing Salary Distribution in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
The earning potential for Opticians, Dispensings in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, 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 $39,040, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $78,090.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $39,040 | $18.8 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $42,915 | $20.6 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $53,450 | $25.7 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $71,525 | $34.4 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $78,090 | $37.5 |
Detailed Opticians, Dispensing Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$57,220
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$57,220
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $57,220 to $57,220.
Job Market Context
60
Total Jobs
0.307
Per 1K Jobs
0.59
Location Quotient
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA has 0.59x 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 Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA.
Only 0.307 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 Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $55,960↓ 2% | 26 mi |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $51,780↓ 10% | 85 mi |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $54,160↓ 5% | 88 mi |
| North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $51,580↓ 10% | 92 mi |
| North Valley-Northern Mountains Region of California nonmetropolitan area Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $46,120↓ 19% | 92 mi |
Comparing salaries near Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
Hiring Opticians, Dispensings?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Opticians, Dispensing make in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
The median annual salary for a Opticians, Dispensing in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is $57,220. This typically ranges from $39,040 for entry-level positions to $78,090 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is 14.5% higher than the national median of $49,970.
Is Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA a good place for Opticians, Dispensings?
Yes, Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is financially attractive for Opticians, Dispensings. The average salary of $57,220 exceeds the national average. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA a good place to live for Opticians, Dispensings?
The Cost of Living Index in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA ($55,960) and Bakersfield-Delano, 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 Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA area with a job density of 0.307 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 Maria-Santa Barbara, CA