Opticians, dispensing
SOC Code: 29-2081Also known as:
Certified Optician, Contact Lens Fitter, Contact Lens Technician, Dispensing and Measuring Optician, Dispensing Optician
Median Annual Salary
$46,560
+2.9% growth (2024-2034)
7K
Openings/Year
80K
Current Jobs
What Opticians, dispensing Do
Design, measure, fit, and adapt lenses and frames for client according to written optical prescription or specification. Assist client with inserting, removing, and caring for contact lenses. Assist client with selecting frames. Measure customer for size of eyeglasses and coordinate frames with facial and eye measurements and optical prescription. Prepare work order for optical laboratory containing instructions for grinding and mounting lenses in frames. Verify exactness of finished lens spectacles. Adjust frame and lens position to fit client. May shape or reshape frames. Includes contact lens opticians.
💰 Salary
$46,560
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+2.9%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
7K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Long-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
79,900
Projected Employment (2034)
82,200
Related Careers
Optometrists
$134,830 •
+8.0% growth
Ophthalmic medical technicians
$44,080 •
+19.8% growth
Health technologists and technicians, all other
$48,790 •
+5.2% growth
Healthcare support workers, all other
$46,050 •
+3.5% growth
Ophthalmic laboratory technicians
$38,420 •
+2.3% growth
Top Skills Required
Speaking
Active Listening
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Service Orientation
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Measure clients' bridge and eye size, temple length, vertex distance, pupillary distance, and optical centers of eyes, using measuring devices.
- Verify that finished lenses are ground to specifications.
- Evaluate prescriptions in conjunction with clients' vocational and avocational visual requirements.
- Recommend specific lenses, lens coatings, and frames to suit client needs.
- Assist clients in selecting frames according to style and color, and ensure that frames are coordinated with facial and eye measurements and optical prescriptions.
- Maintain records of customer prescriptions, work orders, and payments.
- Heat, shape, or bend plastic or metal frames to adjust eyeglasses to fit clients, using pliers and hands.
- Show customers how to insert, remove, and care for their contact lenses.
- Determine clients' current lens prescriptions, when necessary, using lensometers or lens analyzers and clients' eyeglasses.
- Prepare work orders and instructions for grinding lenses and fabricating eyeglasses.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Opticians, dispensing
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a opticians, dispensing:
Opticianry/Ophthalmic Dispensing Optician
352 degrees awarded •
25 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Opticians, dispensing
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become opticians, dispensing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do opticians, dispensing make?
The median annual salary for opticians, dispensing is $46,560.
What education do opticians, dispensing need?
Most opticians, dispensing positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Opticianry/Ophthalmic Dispensing Optician.
Is becoming a opticians, dispensing a good career choice?
Opticians, dispensing is projected to see +2.9% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 6,800 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for opticians, dispensing?
Top colleges for aspiring opticians, dispensing include
Hillsborough Community College, CUNY New York City College of Technology, Miami Dade College, Cuyahoga Community College District, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to opticians, dispensing?
Opticians, dispensing may also be known as: Certified Optician, Contact Lens Fitter, Contact Lens Technician, Dispensing and Measuring Optician, Dispensing Optician, Eyeglass Fitter, Eyewear Specialist, Licensed Dispensing Optician (LDO), Licensed Optical Dispenser, Licensed Optician, Ophthalmic Dispenser, Optical Dispenser, Optical Sales Associate, Optical Technician, Optician, Optometric Technician, Registered Optician.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.