What Does an Optician Do?
Opticians help fit eyeglasses and contact lenses based on prescriptions from optometrists and ophthalmologists. They assist customers in selecting frames, interpret prescriptions, and ensure that corrective lenses are properly made and fitted. Opticians work in retail optical stores, ophthalmology practices, and optical laboratories.
Other Job Titles for This Work
Workers in this occupation report titles such as Certified Optician, Contact Lens Technician, Dispensing Optician, Licensed Dispensing Optician (LDO), Licensed Optician, Ophthalmic Dispenser, Optical Technician, Optometric Technician.
Optician Duties and Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities of an optician include:
- Interpret eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions written by optometrists and ophthalmologists.
- Help customers select eyeglass frames that complement their facial features, lifestyle, and budget.
- Take precise facial measurements including pupillary distance, segment height, and frame dimensions.
- Order corrective lenses from optical laboratories and verify accuracy upon receipt.
- Adjust and fit eyeglasses to ensure proper alignment, comfort, and optical performance.
- Instruct patients on the proper insertion, removal, and care of contact lenses.
- Repair and maintain eyeglasses by replacing screws, nose pads, and other components.
- Educate customers on lens options including progressive lenses, anti-reflective coatings, and photochromic treatments.
- Manage inventory of frames and lens products, maintaining attractive and organized displays.
- Process insurance claims and handle sales transactions for eyewear purchases.
Required Skills and Qualifications
To succeed as an optician, you will need the following skills and qualifications:
- Prescription interpretation
- Frame selection and fitting
- Facial measurement techniques
- Lens technology knowledge
- Contact lens fitting and instruction
- Customer service and sales
- Eyeglass repair and adjustment
- Optical insurance processing
Education and Training
Opticians typically need a high school diploma, though many complete postsecondary education programs in opticianry that last one to two years and result in a certificate or associate degree. Programs cover optical theory, anatomy of the eye, lens technology, frame styling, and business practices. About half of US states require opticians to be licensed, which typically involves passing examinations from the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) for eyeglasses and the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) for contact lenses. Many opticians learn through on-the-job training combined with manufacturer training programs.
Salary and Job Outlook
Typical pay: $38,820 - $61,700 per year, with a median of $47,260.
The range covers the middle half of earners nationwide. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Opticians, Dispensing.
The aging population with increasing vision correction needs and the growing popularity of specialty eyewear and fashion frames support demand. Opticians with knowledge of advanced lens technologies, digital measuring tools, and strong customer service skills will have the best job prospects. Competition from online eyewear retailers may affect some retail positions, but the need for in-person fitting and adjustment services remains strong.
Optician Pay Range
| Earners | Annual pay |
|---|---|
| Bottom 10% earn less than | $35,610 |
| Bottom 25% earn less than | $38,820 |
| Median (half earn more, half less) | $47,260 |
| Top 25% earn more than | $61,700 |
| Top 10% earn more than | $76,750 |
Highest-Paying States for Opticians
The states with the highest median pay for this occupation are Hawaii ($75,300), Connecticut ($75,300), New Jersey ($72,460), Massachusetts ($67,210), New York ($63,880). Pay is lowest in Alabama ($36,880), Mississippi ($36,680), Louisiana ($36,360).
Median pay in all 51 states with BLS data
| State | Median annual pay |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $36,880 |
| Alaska | $58,250 |
| Arizona | $48,210 |
| Arkansas | $42,880 |
| California | $57,990 |
| Colorado | $47,310 |
| Connecticut | $75,300 |
| Delaware | $46,220 |
| District of Columbia | $61,310 |
| Florida | $58,850 |
| Georgia | $48,010 |
| Hawaii | $75,300 |
| Idaho | $43,950 |
| Illinois | $43,960 |
| Indiana | $39,370 |
| Iowa | $44,480 |
| Kansas | $40,140 |
| Kentucky | $44,290 |
| Louisiana | $36,360 |
| Maine | $47,220 |
| Maryland | $48,700 |
| Massachusetts | $67,210 |
| Michigan | $41,180 |
| Minnesota | $48,020 |
| Mississippi | $36,680 |
| Missouri | $38,750 |
| Montana | $47,050 |
| Nebraska | $39,830 |
| Nevada | $46,910 |
| New Hampshire | $51,980 |
| New Jersey | $72,460 |
| New Mexico | $39,090 |
| New York | $63,880 |
| North Carolina | $50,190 |
| North Dakota | $45,230 |
| Ohio | $50,500 |
| Oklahoma | $37,940 |
| Oregon | $49,210 |
| Pennsylvania | $45,450 |
| Rhode Island | $47,400 |
| South Carolina | $48,000 |
| South Dakota | $43,400 |
| Tennessee | $49,840 |
| Texas | $38,720 |
| Utah | $41,780 |
| Vermont | $57,350 |
| Virginia | $55,820 |
| Washington | $49,220 |
| West Virginia | $38,120 |
| Wisconsin | $44,820 |
| Wyoming | $39,100 |
What the Work Is Like
O*NET surveys people who work as opticians, dispensing about their daily conditions. Of those surveyed:
- 100% are on the phone every day
- 96% say being exact and accurate is very or extremely important
- 88% use email every day
- 79% work indoors in a climate-controlled space every day
- 67% say teamwork is very or extremely important in their job
- 63% use their hands on tools, objects or controls for more than half the day
- 63% deal with rude or angry people at least once a week
Education Workers Say the Job Needs
| Education level | Share of workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or GED | 46% |
| Post-secondary certificate | 25% |
| Associate's degree | 25% |
Tools and Software Opticians Use
Tools and equipment
Software
Is This Job a Good Fit for You?
People who do well in this job tend to enjoy organized work with data, records and clear procedures as well as hands-on work with tools, machines or the outdoors.
Skills O*NET rates most important: Speaking, Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Service Orientation, Writing.
Knowledge areas used most: Customer and Personal Service, Sales and Marketing, Mathematics, Production and Processing, Administrative.
Preparation: O*NET places this occupation in Job Zone 3 of 5, which means medium preparation.
Related Careers
These jobs use similar skills, according to O*NET's related-occupation data:
Applying for an Optician Job
- Job application letter sample
- How to write the skills section of a resume
- How to describe your work experience
- Job interview tips
- Interview thank-you note
The Job Explorer never charges candidates any money. If someone asks you to pay to apply for a optician job or to get hired, treat it as a warning sign.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
- O*NET 30.1 Database, occupation 29-2081.00 (Opticians, Dispensing). View on O*NET OnLine.
This page includes information from the O*NET 30.1 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. The Job Explorer has modified some of the information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these changes.