Average Opticians, Dispensing Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Opticians, Dispensing in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area earn an average annual salary of $57,580, significantly surpassing the national average of $49,970. This higher compensation is often driven by the region's robust economic activity and a higher demand for specialized healthcare services, reflecting the area's unique market dynamics.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $57,580 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $75,460.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,310 Opticians, Dispensing, and a Location Quotient of 0.81, the job market in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria region indicates a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average. However, the presence of a substantial workforce suggests a stable demand for these professionals within this metropolitan area.
Salary Overview
The average Opticians, Dispensing in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earns+15.2%above the national average.
$27.7
$1,107
$4,798
Opticians, Dispensing Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for skilled professions like Opticians, Dispensing tend to experience consistent growth over a four-year period, driven by inflation, increased demand for vision care, and advancements in optical technology. This upward trend is likely reflected in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria market as well.
Opticians, Dispensing Salary Distribution in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Career progression for Opticians, Dispensing typically involves a noticeable salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior opticians with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries significantly above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify these opportunities for career advancement and higher earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $37,910 | $18.2 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $43,185 | $20.8 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $58,530 | $28.1 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $71,975 | $34.6 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $75,460 | $36.3 |
Detailed Opticians, Dispensing Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$57,580
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$57,580
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $57,580 in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the higher nominal salary offers a purchasing power that is equivalent to the national average, providing a balanced financial landscape for residents.
Job Market Context
1,310
Total Jobs
0.421
Per 1K Jobs
0.81
Location Quotient
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV has 0.81x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.81 suggests that Opticians, Dispensing are slightly less concentrated in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV region compared to the national average. This indicates a moderately competitive job market where demand is present but not overwhelmingly saturated, offering a reasonable balance for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Opticians, Dispensing
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland nonmetropolitan area Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $42,490↓ 26% | 17 mi |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $47,260↓ 18% | 35 mi |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $46,160↓ 20% | 63 mi |
| Winchester, VA-WV Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $54,520↓ 5% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Hiring Opticians, Dispensings?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Opticians, Dispensing make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median annual salary for a Opticians, Dispensing in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $57,580. This typically ranges from $37,910 for entry-level positions to $75,460 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 15.2% higher than the national median of $49,970.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a lucrative place for Opticians, Dispensings?
Yes, it offers above-average earnings.Opticians, Dispensing in this region earn approximately $7,610 more annually than the national average, with a cost of living that matches the national benchmark.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a good place to live for Opticians, Dispensings?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
Some top paying nearby cities include Maryland nonmetropolitan area ($42,490) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Opticians, Dispensing in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area is $57,580, which is $7,610 higher than the national average of $49,970.
What is the cost of living in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The Cost of Living Index for this region is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means your salary has average purchasing power.
How many Opticians, Dispensing work in this area?
There are approximately 1,310 Opticians, Dispensing employed in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area.
Is there high demand for Opticians, Dispensing in this region?
With 0.421 jobs per 1,000 workers and a Location Quotient of 0.81, the demand is present but slightly below the national concentration, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,310 employees in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area with a job density of 0.421 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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV