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Optical assistant vs optician apprentice

The differences between optical assistants and optician apprentices 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 $37,698 average annual salary of an optician apprentice.

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

Optical assistant vs optician apprentice overview

Optical AssistantOptician Apprentice
Yearly salary$39,251$37,698
Hourly rate$18.87$18.12
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs2,97810,174
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 32%Associate Degree, 31%
Average age4444
Years of experience--

Optical assistant vs optician apprentice salary

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

Optical AssistantOptician Apprentice
Average salary$39,251$37,698
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $57,000Between $29,000 And $48,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between optical assistant and optician apprentice education

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

Optical AssistantOptician Apprentice
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 32%Associate Degree, 31%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeEmory UniversityUniversity of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Optical assistant vs optician apprentice demographics

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

Optical AssistantOptician Apprentice
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 13.0% Female, 87.0%Male, 24.9% Female, 75.1%
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, 5.6% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 19.2% Asian, 9.2% White, 61.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage13%13%

Differences between optical assistant and optician apprentice 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

Optician apprentice example responsibilities.

  • Maintain coating quality using adhesion testing and spectrophotometers, and manage coating hues and reflectance adjustments.
  • File patient medical records; bill insurance; contact insurance companies regarding patient insurance benefits, comply with all HIPAA policies.
  • Assist customers in picking out a frame that goes well with their life style, RX and price needs.
  • Process MTR's and RX reminders and stock merchandise.
  • Maintain patient confidentiality and HIPAA.
  • Create referral business by designing specialty lenses to patients' specifications.
  • Show more

Optical assistant vs optician apprentice skills

Common optical assistant skills
  • Patients, 15%
  • HIPAA, 15%
  • Computer System, 14%
  • Data Entry, 13%
  • Customer Satisfaction, 12%
  • Telephone Inquiries, 11%
Common optician apprentice skills
  • POS, 37%
  • Customer Service, 26%
  • Patients, 13%
  • Product Knowledge, 4%
  • HIPAA, 3%
  • Appointment Scheduling, 3%

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