How to Become an Optician
Fit and dispense the eyewear optometrists prescribe, combining precision craft with patient service. It typically requires an associate degree, with a median salary of $47,260 per year and about average projected job growth.
Median pay
$47,260/yr
Job growth
3%
Openings / yr
6,800
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Lens Fitting
- Frame Adjustment
- Prescription Interpretation
- Customer Service
- Sales
Helpful certifications
- ABO certification
- NCLE (contact lenses)
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
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Work-life balance
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Stress level
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Satisfaction
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Related careers
- Psychiatrist$281,870 median
- Physician (Family Medicine)$244,180 median
- Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)$236,590 median
- Dentist$170,950 median
- Pharmacist$140,910 median
- Optometrist$136,570 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does an Optician make?
The median pay for an Optician is $47,260 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become an Optician?
The usual entry point is an associate degree. Common majors are Opticianry and Health Sciences.
Is Optician a growing field?
The BLS projects about average demand for this role, about 3% over the decade, with roughly 6,800 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does an Optician use most?
Common skills for this role are Lens Fitting, Frame Adjustment, Prescription Interpretation, Customer Service, and Sales.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.