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Average Opticians, Dispensing Salary in Waco, TX

The average salary for Opticians, Dispensings in Waco, TX is $33,300. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Waco, TX may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $33,300 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.4% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,310.
  • Outlook: The current demand for Opticians, Dispensings is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 70 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Waco, TX economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$33,300

The average Opticians, Dispensing in Waco, TX earns-33.4%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$16

Weekly

$640

Monthly

$2,775

Opticians, Dispensing Salary Distribution in Waco, TX

The earning potential for Opticians, Dispensings in Waco, TX 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 $28,740, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $37,310.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$28,740$13.8
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$24,975$12
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$30,720$14.8
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$41,625$20
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$37,310$17.9

Detailed Opticians, Dispensing Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$33,300

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$33,300

Adjusted for COL (100)

In Waco, TX, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $33,300 to $33,300.

Job Market Context

70

Total Jobs

0.54

Per 1K Jobs

1.04

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.04, Waco, TX has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Opticians, Dispensing roles compared to the national norm.

70 people work as Opticians, Dispensing in Waco, TX.

Only 0.54 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Opticians, Dispensing roles — this is a niche profession in the area.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Opticians, Dispensing make in Waco, TX?

The median annual salary for a Opticians, Dispensing in Waco, TX is $33,300. This typically ranges from $28,740 for entry-level positions to $37,310 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Waco, TX is 33.4% lower than the national median of $49,970.

Is Waco, TX a good place for Opticians, Dispensings?

It depends on your priorities. While the average Opticians, Dispensing salary in Waco, TX is $33,300 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Waco, TX. See distinct detailed breakdown below.

Is Waco, TX a good place to live for Opticians, Dispensings?

The Cost of Living Index in Waco, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Waco, TX?

Some top paying nearby cities include North Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area ($35,810) and Northwestern Region of Texas 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 70 employees in the Waco, TX area with a job density of 0.54 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.