Average Opticians, Dispensing Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Opticians, Dispensing in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area earn an average annual salary of $53,050, surpassing the national average of $49,970. This higher compensation is often driven by the region's robust economy and a higher demand for specialized healthcare services, reflecting the unique economic landscape of the Pacific Northwest.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $53,050 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 5.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $74,670.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,060 Opticians, Dispensing, and a Location Quotient of 0.98, the job market in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, indicates a stable and slightly below-average concentration compared to the national landscape. While not exceptionally concentrated, the steady presence of this workforce suggests consistent demand and opportunities within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Opticians, Dispensing in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earns+6.2%above the national average.
$25.5
$1,020
$4,421
Opticians, Dispensing Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Opticians, Dispensing in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns of wage growth influenced by inflation, increasing demand for vision care, and evolving industry standards.
Opticians, Dispensing Salary Distribution in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Career progression for Opticians, Dispensing typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior or specialized roles can command salaries well into the higher percentiles, reflecting accumulated expertise, customer service proficiency, and potentially management responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $40,250 | $19.4 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $39,788 | $19.1 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $48,370 | $23.3 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $66,313 | $31.9 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $74,670 | $35.9 |
Detailed Opticians, Dispensing Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$53,050
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$53,050
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $53,050 in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This suggests that the purchasing power of an Optician's salary in this region is comparable to the national standard, meaning your earnings will likely cover expenses at a similar rate as elsewhere in the country.
Job Market Context
1,060
Total Jobs
0.508
Per 1K Jobs
0.98
Location Quotient
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA has 0.98x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.98 for Opticians, Dispensing in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, indicates that the concentration of these professionals is very close to the national average. This suggests a balanced job market where demand and supply are relatively in sync, implying a competitive but accessible environment for both job seekers and employers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Opticians, Dispensing
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $52,450↓ 1% | 18 mi |
| Western Washington nonmetropolitan area Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $49,450↓ 7% | 42 mi |
| Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $48,320↓ 9% | 42 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $58,970↑ 11% | 47 mi |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $51,290↓ 3% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Hiring Opticians, Dispensings?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Opticians, Dispensing make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The median annual salary for a Opticians, Dispensing in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $53,050. This typically ranges from $40,250 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 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 6.2% higher than the national median of $49,970.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a lucrative place for Opticians, Dispensings?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation.The average salary of $53,050 is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating good earning potential.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a good place to live for Opticians, Dispensings?
The Cost of Living Index in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA ($52,450) and Western Washington nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA market compare to the national average for Opticians?
The average salary is slightly higher than the national average, and the concentration of jobs (Location Quotient) is nearly identical to the national average, suggesting a comparable market presence.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) of 0.98?
An LQ of 0.98 means that Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA has a slightly lower concentration of Opticians, Dispensing per worker compared to the national average, indicating a balanced job market.
Does the cost of living affect the value of an Optician's salary in Seattle?
No, the cost of living index of 100 means that the local cost of living is exactly average, so the $53,050 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How many Opticians, Dispensing work in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area?
There are approximately 1,060 Opticians, Dispensing employed within the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,060 employees in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area with a job density of 0.508 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 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA