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The differences between opticians and optical managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an optical manager has an average salary of $39,584, which is higher than the $38,412 average annual salary of an optician.
The top three skills for an optician include patients, customer service and basic math. The most important skills for an optical manager are patients, payroll, and customer satisfaction.
| Optician | Optical Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $38,412 | $39,584 |
| Hourly rate | $18.47 | $19.03 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 4,717 | 6,274 |
| Job satisfaction | 4 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 31% | Bachelor's Degree, 40% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
An optician is a medical expert specializing in people's various visual conditions. Opticians analyze eye examinations and the grade of patients' vision from the optometrist or ophthalmologists' prescriptions and design appropriate lenses to improve their sight. One of the most crucial responsibilities of an optician is to ensure that the patient is comfortable with the customized lenses. Otherwise, the optician must perform adjustments as needed. Opticians also recommend styles to the patient and provide instructions on how to properly clean and maintain the eyewear.
An Optical Manager oversees the daily operations taking place in an optometrist's office. In general, Optical Managers oversee various eye care and administrative tasks. Optical Managers process insurance and billing, hire and train staff, manage inventory and submit contact lenses and eyeglasses work orders. These professionals maintain client records and adjust eyeglasses. Moreover, Optical Managers frame-style with patients, work diligently with other eye care departments and interact positively with doctors, managers, and patients at all times.
Opticians and optical managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Optician | Optical Manager | |
| Average salary | $38,412 | $39,584 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $50,000 | Between $11,000 And $131,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | - |
| Highest paying state | New York | - |
| Best paying company | Horizon Laser Vision | - |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | - |
There are a few differences between an optician and an optical manager in terms of educational background:
| Optician | Optical Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 31% | Bachelor's Degree, 40% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | University of Minnesota - Twin Cities | University of Minnesota - Twin Cities |
Here are the differences between opticians' and optical managers' demographics:
| Optician | Optical Manager | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 22.2% Female, 77.8% | Male, 32.4% Female, 67.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.7% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 19.2% Asian, 9.2% White, 61.7% 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, 61.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 13% | 13% |