Average Opticians, Dispensing Salary in Tuscaloosa, AL
The average salary for Opticians, Dispensings in Tuscaloosa, AL is $36,550. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Tuscaloosa, AL may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,550 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 38.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,740.
- Outlook: The current demand for Opticians, Dispensings is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 30 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Tuscaloosa, AL economy.
Salary Overview
The average Opticians, Dispensing in Tuscaloosa, AL earns-26.9%below the national average.
$17.6
$703
$3,046
Opticians, Dispensing Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Opticians, Dispensing salaries in Tuscaloosa, AL have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 38.4%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Opticians, Dispensing Salary Distribution in Tuscaloosa, AL
The earning potential for Opticians, Dispensings in Tuscaloosa, AL 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 $30,090, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $46,740.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $30,090 | $14.5 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $27,413 | $13.2 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $35,680 | $17.2 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $45,688 | $22 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $46,740 | $22.5 |
Detailed Opticians, Dispensing Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,550
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,550
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Tuscaloosa, AL, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $36,550 to $36,550.
Job Market Context
30
Total Jobs
0.313
Per 1K Jobs
0.61
Location Quotient
Tuscaloosa, AL has 0.61x 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.
30 people work as Opticians, Dispensing in Tuscaloosa, AL.
Only 0.313 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. |
|---|---|---|
| Birmingham, AL Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $37,490↑ 3% | 47 mi |
| Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $35,870↓ 2% | 52 mi |
| Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $35,910↓ 2% | 52 mi |
| Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $35,660↓ 2% | 52 mi |
Comparing salaries near Tuscaloosa, AL
Hiring Opticians, Dispensings?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Opticians, Dispensing make in Tuscaloosa, AL?
The median annual salary for a Opticians, Dispensing in Tuscaloosa, AL is $36,550. This typically ranges from $30,090 for entry-level positions to $46,740 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Tuscaloosa, AL is 26.9% lower than the national median of $49,970.
Is Tuscaloosa, AL a good place for Opticians, Dispensings?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Opticians, Dispensing salary in Tuscaloosa, AL is $36,550 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Tuscaloosa, AL. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Tuscaloosa, AL a good place to live for Opticians, Dispensings?
The Cost of Living Index in Tuscaloosa, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Tuscaloosa, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Birmingham, AL ($37,490) and Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 30 employees in the Tuscaloosa, AL area with a job density of 0.313 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 Tuscaloosa, AL
- All Occupations Salary in Tuscaloosa, AL
- Production Occupations Salary in Tuscaloosa, AL
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Tuscaloosa, AL
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Tuscaloosa, AL
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Tuscaloosa, AL
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Tuscaloosa, AL
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators Salary in Tuscaloosa, AL
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Tuscaloosa, AL
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Tuscaloosa, AL
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Tuscaloosa, AL
- Browse All Jobs in Tuscaloosa, AL →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Opticians, Dispensing • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Tuscaloosa, AL