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Job outlook for licensed opticians in the United States
Licensed optician job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected licensed optician job growth rate is 4% from 2018-2028.
About 2,800 new jobs for licensed opticians are projected over the next decade.
Licensed optician salaries have increased 8% for licensed opticians in the last 5 years.
There are over 55,498 licensed opticians currently employed in the United States.
There are 14,216 active licensed optician job openings in the US.
The average licensed optician salary is $45,625.
Are licensed optician jobs in demand?
Licensed optician job and salary trends over time
Licensed optician jobs over time
Licensed optician job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 55,498 | 0.02% |
| 2020 | 51,643 | 0.02% |
| 2019 | 54,786 | 0.02% |
| 2018 | 54,726 | 0.02% |
| 2017 | 57,150 | 0.02% |
Average licensed optician salary over time
Licensed optician salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $45,625 | $21.93 | +1.8% |
| 2024 | $44,808 | $21.54 | +2.2% |
| 2023 | $43,825 | $21.07 | +2.1% |
| 2022 | $42,925 | $20.64 | +2.0% |
| 2021 | $42,072 | $20.23 | +2.0% |
Licensed optician jobs by state
Most common states for licensed opticians
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delaware | 961,939 | 170 | 18% |
| 2 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 807 | 14% |
| 3 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 404 | 14% |
| 4 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 422 | 13% |
| 5 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 236 | 12% |
| 6 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 795 | 11% |
| 7 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 978 | 10% |
| 8 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 916 | 10% |
| 9 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 601 | 10% |
| 10 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 484 | 10% |
| 11 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 478 | 10% |
| 12 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 108 | 10% |
| 13 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 855 | 9% |
| 14 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 498 | 9% |
| 15 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 488 | 9% |
| 16 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 90 | 9% |
| 17 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 545 | 8% |
| 18 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 158 | 8% |
| 19 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 129 | 8% |
| 20 | Alaska | 739,795 | 56 | 8% |
Most common cities for licensed opticians
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Burlington | 5 | 20% | $44,999 |
| 2 | Braintree Town | 5 | 13% | $45,446 |
| 3 | Kissimmee | 7 | 10% | $40,730 |
| 4 | Daytona Beach | 6 | 9% | $40,552 |
| 5 | Boynton Beach | 6 | 8% | $40,720 |
| 6 | Riverview | 6 | 8% | $40,934 |
| 7 | Melbourne | 5 | 6% | $40,639 |
| 8 | Pleasanton | 5 | 6% | $52,196 |
| 9 | Coral Springs | 5 | 4% | $40,753 |
| 10 | Orlando | 8 | 3% | $40,686 |
| 11 | Boston | 15 | 2% | $45,233 |
| 12 | Atlanta | 10 | 2% | $34,038 |
| 13 | Phoenix | 9 | 1% | $42,526 |
| 14 | Columbus | 7 | 1% | $38,906 |
| 15 | Charlotte | 6 | 1% | $38,928 |
| 16 | Mesa | 6 | 1% | $42,407 |
| 17 | Memphis | 5 | 1% | $33,915 |
| 18 | New York | 17 | 0% | $47,675 |
Licensed Optician job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of licensed optician experts
Indiana University
Opticians Association of America
What Licensed Optician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Todd Peabody: Consider formal business training in programs like the one that we have established here at IU in partnership with the Kelley School of Business. Whether you plan to own a business or just manage your own finances, financial literacy and business acumen can help set you apart and give you a leg up on the competition. There is no better investment than an investment in yourself especially with skills and training that is immediately applicable.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Licensed 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 general advice would you give to a Licensed Optician?
Dr. Todd Peabody: You're not an island and can take better care of your patients with the help of fellow professionals as well as friends and colleagues. Don't hesitate to reach out for guidance and advice. Find a few mentors who can help you plot your course through your professional career. Create specific, actionable goals that you revisit on a periodic basis.
What type of skills will young Licensed 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!