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Job outlook for licensed dispensing opticians in the United States
Licensed dispensing optician job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected licensed dispensing optician job growth rate is 4% from 2018-2028.
About 2,800 new jobs for licensed dispensing opticians are projected over the next decade.
Licensed dispensing optician salaries have increased 8% for licensed dispensing opticians in the last 5 years.
There are over 4,564 licensed dispensing opticians currently employed in the United States.
There are 14,001 active licensed dispensing optician job openings in the US.
The average licensed dispensing optician salary is $51,436.
Are licensed dispensing optician jobs in demand?
Licensed dispensing optician job and salary trends over time
Licensed dispensing optician jobs over time
Licensed dispensing optician job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 4,564 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 4,247 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 4,505 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 4,501 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 4,700 | 0.00% |
Average licensed dispensing optician salary over time
Licensed dispensing optician salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $51,436 | $24.73 | +1.8% |
| 2025 | $50,515 | $24.29 | +2.2% |
| 2024 | $49,407 | $23.75 | +2.1% |
| 2023 | $48,392 | $23.27 | +2.0% |
| 2022 | $47,431 | $22.80 | +2.0% |
Licensed dispensing optician jobs by state
Most common states for licensed dispensing opticians
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delaware | 961,939 | 170 | 18% |
| 2 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 403 | 14% |
| 3 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 420 | 13% |
| 4 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 241 | 13% |
| 5 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 790 | 11% |
| 6 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 1,011 | 10% |
| 7 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 926 | 10% |
| 8 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 618 | 10% |
| 9 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 481 | 10% |
| 10 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 108 | 10% |
| 11 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 885 | 9% |
| 12 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 499 | 9% |
| 13 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 481 | 9% |
| 14 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 474 | 9% |
| 15 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 90 | 9% |
| 16 | Texas | 28,304,596 | 2,155 | 8% |
| 17 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 543 | 8% |
| 18 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 157 | 8% |
| 19 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 129 | 8% |
| 20 | Alaska | 739,795 | 56 | 8% |
Most common cities for licensed dispensing opticians
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Baltimore | 1 | 0% | $59,973 |
Licensed Dispensing Optician job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of licensed dispensing optician experts
Indiana University
Opticians Association of America
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Licensed Dispensing Optician job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Todd Peabody: There was initially some concern and hesitation amongst hirers because of the uncertainty of the pandemic and the speed with which patients would resume seeking care but by the summer of 2020, that concern was abated as demand surged. We're seeing that practices are looking for job candidates who are comfortable with both engaging in full-scope optometric care and newer technology.
What type of skills will young Licensed Dispensing Opticians need?
Dibby Bartlett: To enter the field of opticianry in the future, a young graduate will be glad they have a strong grasp of math and science skills and an ability to work with their hands. Additionally, customer service skills are always important, as we are interested in fashion and medical knowledge. Opticianry is such a diverse field, and it encompasses so many areas, which is why it is so interesting!