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Job outlook for opticians in the United States
Optician job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected optician job growth rate is 4% from 2018-2028.
About 2,800 new jobs for opticians are projected over the next decade.
Optician salaries have increased 8% for opticians in the last 5 years.
There are over 59,060 opticians currently employed in the United States.
There are 4,717 active optician job openings in the US.
The average optician salary is $38,412.
Are optician jobs in demand?
Optician job and salary trends over time
Optician jobs over time
Optician job growth rate over time
Year  | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 59,060 | 0.02% |
| 2020 | 54,957 | 0.02% |
| 2019 | 58,303 | 0.02% |
| 2018 | 58,238 | 0.02% |
| 2017 | 60,818 | 0.02% |
Average optician salary over time
Optician salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $38,412 | $18.47 | +1.8% |
| 2024 | $37,724 | $18.14 | +2.2% |
| 2023 | $36,896 | $17.74 | +2.1% |
| 2022 | $36,139 | $17.37 | +2.0% |
| 2021 | $35,421 | $17.03 | +2.0% |
Optician jobs by state
Most common states for opticians
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 104 | 3% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 147 | 2% |
| 3 | Alaska | 739,795 | 14 | 2% |
| 4 | California | 39,536,653 | 456 | 1% |
| 5 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 299 | 1% |
| 6 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 108 | 1% |
| 7 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 106 | 1% |
| 8 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 60 | 1% |
| 9 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 52 | 1% |
| 10 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 51 | 1% |
| 11 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 35 | 1% |
| 12 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 32 | 1% |
| 13 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 25 | 1% |
| 14 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 16 | 1% |
| 15 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 14 | 1% |
| 16 | Hawaii | 1,427,538 | 11 | 1% |
| 17 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 10 | 1% |
| 18 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 10 | 1% |
| 19 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 6 | 1% |
| 20 | New York | 19,849,399 | 0 | 0% |
Most common cities for opticians
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lawrenceville | 3 | 10% | $31,179 |
| 2 | Greenwood | 5 | 9% | $31,696 |
| 3 | Terre Haute | 4 | 7% | $31,624 |
| 4 | Troy | 4 | 5% | $33,018 |
| 5 | Royal Oak | 3 | 5% | $32,972 |
| 6 | Indianapolis | 8 | 1% | $31,726 |
| 7 | Columbus | 7 | 1% | $38,241 |
| 8 | Washington | 6 | 1% | $31,903 |
| 9 | Denver | 5 | 1% | $37,203 |
| 10 | Sacramento | 5 | 1% | $47,005 |
| 11 | Cincinnati | 4 | 1% | $37,870 |
| 12 | Colorado Springs | 3 | 1% | $37,230 |
| 13 | Los Angeles | 7 | 0% | $44,939 |
| 14 | New York | 7 | 0% | $47,025 |
| 15 | Houston | 6 | 0% | $32,603 |
| 16 | Chicago | 5 | 0% | $33,788 |
| 17 | San Diego | 5 | 0% | $44,402 |
| 18 | San Francisco | 4 | 0% | $47,345 |
| 19 | Philadelphia | 3 | 0% | $33,731 |
Optician job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of optician experts
Indiana University
Opticians Association of America
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Optician 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 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?
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 Opticians 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 Opticians 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 Opticians 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.