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Optical assistant vs assistant

The differences between optical assistants and assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an optical assistant has an average salary of $39,251, which is higher than the $37,363 average annual salary of an assistant.

The top three skills for an optical assistant include patients, HIPAA and computer system. The most important skills for an assistant are patients, customer service, and patient care.

Optical assistant vs assistant overview

Optical AssistantAssistant
Yearly salary$39,251$37,363
Hourly rate$18.87$17.96
Growth rate4%-8%
Number of jobs2,978557,900
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 32%Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Average age4450
Years of experience-2

Optical assistant vs assistant salary

Optical assistants and assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Optical AssistantAssistant
Average salary$39,251$37,363
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $57,000Between $16,000 And $82,000
Highest paying City-Boston, MA
Highest paying state-Massachusetts
Best paying company-Latham & Watkins
Best paying industry-Education

Differences between optical assistant and assistant education

There are a few differences between an optical assistant and an assistant in terms of educational background:

Optical AssistantAssistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 32%Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeEmory UniversityWestern Carolina University

Optical assistant vs assistant demographics

Here are the differences between optical assistants' and assistants' demographics:

Optical AssistantAssistant
Average age4450
Gender ratioMale, 13.0% Female, 87.0%Male, 40.7% Female, 59.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 5.4% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 18.8% Asian, 9.1% White, 62.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 9.4% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 3.8% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage13%6%

Differences between optical assistant and assistant duties and responsibilities

Optical assistant example responsibilities.

  • Maintain coating quality using adhesion testing and spectrophotometers, and manage coating hues and reflectance adjustments.
  • Book appointments when the Dr's office is closed.
  • Take measurements before turning frames and Rx over to the lab to have glasses make.
  • Acquire, comply with and obtain a thorough knowledge and understanding of HIPPA and OSHA practices.
  • Verify and confirm Rx's from the lab, work with computers and fax machines daily.
  • Order new frames from leading suppliers, reconcile statements from vendors and process VSP and eyem claims.
  • Show more

Assistant example responsibilities.

  • Manage circulations, including educational textbooks and DVDS, video technology and supplies.
  • Manage branches providing information technology support, logistics, training and operational support.
  • Manage company's twitter account and communicate with multiple physical therapy providers around the country
  • Optimize productivity in prioritizing and managing special projects, PowerPoint presentations for classes, and proctore exams for undergraduate classes.
  • Assist in jewelry design and assembly, manage company Facebook page, participate in wholesale buying, and manage retail inventory
  • Manage and update company Facebook page with daily updates, finding/sharing relevant and interesting information, and encouraging fan engagement.
  • Show more

Optical assistant vs assistant skills

Common optical assistant skills
  • Patients, 15%
  • HIPAA, 15%
  • Computer System, 14%
  • Data Entry, 13%
  • Customer Satisfaction, 12%
  • Telephone Inquiries, 11%
Common assistant skills
  • Patients, 27%
  • Customer Service, 13%
  • Patient Care, 8%
  • CPR, 5%
  • Sales Floor, 5%
  • Scheduling Appointments, 3%

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