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Job outlook for optician apprentices in the United States
Optician apprentice job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected optician apprentice job growth rate is 4% from 2018-2028.
About 2,800 new jobs for optician apprentices are projected over the next decade.
Optician apprentice salaries have increased 8% for optician apprentices in the last 5 years.
There are over 54,885 optician apprentices currently employed in the United States.
There are 10,174 active optician apprentice job openings in the US.
The average optician apprentice salary is $37,698.
Are optician apprentice jobs in demand?
Optician apprentice job and salary trends over time
Optician apprentice jobs over time
Optician apprentice job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 54,885 | 0.02% |
| 2020 | 51,072 | 0.02% |
| 2019 | 54,181 | 0.02% |
| 2018 | 54,121 | 0.02% |
| 2017 | 56,518 | 0.02% |
Average optician apprentice salary over time
Optician apprentice salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $37,698 | $18.12 | +1.8% |
| 2024 | $37,023 | $17.80 | +2.2% |
| 2023 | $36,211 | $17.41 | +2.1% |
| 2022 | $35,467 | $17.05 | +2.0% |
| 2021 | $34,763 | $16.71 | +2.0% |
Optician apprentice jobs by state
Most common states for optician apprentices
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 145 | 4% |
| 2 | Alaska | 739,795 | 27 | 4% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 209 | 3% |
| 4 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 27 | 3% |
| 5 | California | 39,536,653 | 662 | 2% |
| 6 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 430 | 2% |
| 7 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 213 | 2% |
| 8 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 191 | 2% |
| 9 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 182 | 2% |
| 10 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 169 | 2% |
| 11 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 167 | 2% |
| 12 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 124 | 2% |
| 13 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 108 | 2% |
| 14 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 90 | 2% |
| 15 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 64 | 2% |
| 16 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 64 | 2% |
| 17 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 63 | 2% |
| 18 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 35 | 2% |
| 19 | Hawaii | 1,427,538 | 25 | 2% |
| 20 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 17 | 2% |
Most common cities for optician apprentices
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dedham | 3 | 12% | $39,848 |
| 2 | Burlington | 1 | 4% | $39,883 |
| 3 | Lake Worth | 1 | 3% | $34,773 |
| 4 | Milton | 1 | 3% | $29,551 |
| 5 | Manchester | 1 | 2% | $39,476 |
| 6 | Peabody | 1 | 2% | $39,905 |
| 7 | Cambridge | 1 | 1% | $39,875 |
| 8 | Fayetteville | 1 | 1% | $29,297 |
| 9 | Fort Smith | 1 | 1% | $29,288 |
| 10 | Miramar | 1 | 1% | $34,775 |
| 11 | Port Saint Lucie | 1 | 1% | $34,737 |
| 12 | New York | 5 | 0% | $39,468 |
| 13 | Boston | 3 | 0% | $39,877 |
| 14 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $29,512 |
| 15 | Rochester | 1 | 0% | $39,956 |
Optician Apprentice job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of optician apprentice experts
Indiana University
Opticians Association of America
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Optician Apprentice 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 Optician Apprentice 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 general advice would you give to an Optician Apprentice?
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 Optician Apprentices 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!
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Optician Apprentices to find work opportunities?
Dibby Bartlett: There are many areas where the field of opticianry blossoms, but primarily in licensed states. Due to the licensing process, opticians working within those states need to have more knowledge and are tested on it. This raises the demand for the optician as well as providing a better living wage. If the state has a state professional organization, this would always be a plus.
How do you envision technology impacting Optician Apprentices in the next 5 years?
Dibby Bartlett: Emerging technology will help the optician, but the importance of the basic understanding of optics will always be critical for the dispensing of eyewear, despite technological advances.