Average Opticians, Dispensing Salary in Wichita, KS
In Wichita, KS, the average annual salary for Dispensing Opticians stands at $39,110. This figure is notably below the national average of $49,970, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand within the local market. Understanding these local nuances is crucial for career and financial planning in this role.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,110 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,760.
- Outlook: Wichita's market for Dispensing Opticians, with a total local workforce of 220 individuals, indicates a stable, albeit niche, employment landscape. The concentration, measured by a Location Quotient of 1.41, suggests a slightly higher presence of these professionals than the national average, implying a consistent demand that supports the existing workforce size.
Salary Overview
The average Opticians, Dispensing in Wichita, KS earns-21.7%below the national average.
$18.8
$752
$3,259
Opticians, Dispensing Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Wichita's Dispensing Opticians isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery and increased demand for vision care services typically drive modest, incremental increases in compensation for specialized roles like this.
Opticians, Dispensing Salary Distribution in Wichita, KS
For Dispensing Opticians in Wichita, career progression typically involves moving from entry-level positions to senior roles, with corresponding salary increases. While specific percentile data isn't available, the typical salary range signifies that experienced professionals can command higher earnings, reflecting accumulated expertise and responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $32,150 | $15.5 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $29,333 | $14.1 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $37,700 | $18.1 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $48,888 | $23.5 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $45,760 | $22 |
Detailed Opticians, Dispensing Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,110
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,110
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $39,110 in Wichita aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an Optician's salary in Wichita is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial footing without the premium associated with higher cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
220
Total Jobs
0.728
Per 1K Jobs
1.41
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.41, Wichita, KS has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Opticians, Dispensing roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.41, Wichita exhibits a concentration of Dispensing Opticians that is 41% higher than the national average. This suggests a more robust local market for these professionals, potentially offering more job opportunities and a competitive environment for both employers and job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Opticians, Dispensing
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas nonmetropolitan area Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $38,300↓ 2% | 67 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wichita, KS
Hiring Opticians, Dispensings?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Opticians, Dispensing make in Wichita, KS?
The median annual salary for a Opticians, Dispensing in Wichita, KS is $39,110. This typically ranges from $32,150 for entry-level positions to $45,760 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wichita, KS is 21.7% lower than the national median of $49,970.
Is Wichita, KS a lucrative place for Opticians, Dispensings?
No, not compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary for Dispensing Opticians in Wichita is significantly lower than the national average. This indicates that while your money may go as far, the overall earning potential is less.
Is Wichita, KS a good place to live for Opticians, Dispensings?
The Cost of Living Index in Wichita, KS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wichita, KS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Kansas nonmetropolitan area ($38,300) and others.
How does Wichita's cost of living compare to the national average?
Wichita's cost of living is exactly at the national average, with an index of 100. This means that the general price level for goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
What is the job concentration for Opticians, Dispensings in Wichita?
The job concentration, or Location Quotient, for Dispensing Opticians in Wichita is 1.41, which is higher than the national average. This indicates a greater proportion of these jobs in Wichita relative to the national distribution.
How many Dispensing Opticians work in Wichita?
There are approximately 220 Dispensing Opticians employed in Wichita, KS, representing a small but concentrated segment of the local workforce.
What is the average salary for an Optician, Dispensing in Wichita, KS?
The average annual salary for a Dispensing Optician in Wichita, KS is $39,110.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 220 employees in the Wichita, KS area with a job density of 0.728 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 Wichita, KS
- All Occupations Salary in Wichita, KS
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Wichita, KS
- Production Occupations Salary in Wichita, KS
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Wichita, KS
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Wichita, KS
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Wichita, KS
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Wichita, KS
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Wichita, KS
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Wichita, KS
- Management Occupations Salary in Wichita, KS
- Browse All Jobs in Wichita, KS →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Opticians, Dispensing • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Wichita, KS