Opticians, Dispensing Salary Trend (2011–2024)
Historical salary and employment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Median Salary in 2024
$46,560
↑ 40.7% since 2011
Median Salary Over Time
Opticians, Dispensing — Median Annual Salary
Employment Over Time
Opticians, Dispensing — Total Employment
Key Insights
📈Salaries grew 40.7% since 2011 ($33,100 → $46,560)
🏆Peak year: 2024 at $46,560
🦠COVID impact: Salary remained relatively stable (+1.8%) through the 2020 pandemic year.
💰After inflation (~3%/yr), real growth is approximately -4%
Year-by-Year Salary Data
| Year | Median Salary | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $46,560 | +5.4% |
| 2023 | $44,170 | +11.5% |
| 2022 | $39,610 | +5.4% |
| 2021 | $37,570 | -2.5% |
| 2020 | $38,530 | +1.8% |
| 2019 | $37,840 | +2.2% |
| 2018 | $37,010 | +2.1% |
| 2017 | $36,250 | +2.0% |
| 2016 | $35,530 | +2.0% |
| 2015 | $34,840 | +1.6% |
| 2014 | $34,280 | +1.5% |
| 2013 | $33,770 | +1.3% |
| 2012 | $33,330 | +0.7% |
| 2011 | $33,100 | — |
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2011–2024. All figures are annual median wages in nominal dollars.