Optical assistant vs dispensing optician

The differences between optical assistants and dispensing opticians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a dispensing optician has an average salary of $45,679, which is higher than the $39,251 average annual salary of an optical assistant.

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

Optical assistant vs dispensing optician overview

	Optical Assistant	Dispensing Optician
Yearly salary	$39,251	$45,679
Hourly rate	$18.87	$21.96
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	2,978	4,434
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 32%	Associate Degree, 32%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	-	-

Optical assistant vs dispensing optician salary

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

	Optical Assistant	Dispensing Optician
Average salary	$39,251	$45,679
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $57,000	Between $33,000 And $62,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between optical assistant and dispensing optician education

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

	Optical Assistant	Dispensing Optician
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 32%	Associate Degree, 32%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Emory University	University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Optical assistant vs dispensing optician demographics

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

	Optical Assistant	Dispensing Optician
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 13.0% Female, 87.0%	Male, 33.4% Female, 66.6%
Race ratio	Black 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, 5.6% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 19.1% Asian, 9.2% White, 61.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage	13%	13%

Differences between optical assistant and dispensing optician 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.

Dispensing optician example responsibilities.

Communicate information and provide customer service to patients, families and visitors.
Fax Rx to proper lab.
Scan documents and abide by all HIPAA regulations.
Read and understand the different refractive errors as well as the Rx.
Work with VSP and eye med insurances, and all relate duties.
Order verification, working with insurance companies including VSP, NBN, and DSHS.

Optical assistant vs dispensing optician skills

Common optical assistant skills

Patients, 15%
HIPAA, 15%
Computer System, 14%
Data Entry, 13%
Customer Satisfaction, 12%
Telephone Inquiries, 11%

Common dispensing optician skills

Patients, 44%
Patient Care, 15%
Customer Service, 8%
Insurance Eligibility, 3%
Appointment Scheduling, 3%
Eye Exams, 2%

Optical Assistant vs. similar jobs

Optical Assistant related careers

Optical Assistant related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Healthcare Practitioner and Technical Industry
Optical Assistant
Optical Assistant vs Dispensing Optician

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse healthcare practitioner and technical jobs