Opticians, Dispensing
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.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Opticians, Dispensing to increase by 4.2% between 2024 and 2034, from 74,300 to 77,400 jobs. Its estimate of 5,600 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($47,260), education (High school diploma or equivalent), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
74,300
Projected employment (2034)
77,400
Projected change (2024–2034)
4%
Annual openings (projected average)
5,600
Pay & Preparation
$47,260
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Long-term on-the-job training
Essential Skills
Speaking (4/5) • Active Listening (3.88/5) • Reading Comprehension (3.75/5) • Service Orientation (3.5/5) • Critical Thinking (3.5/5) • Social Perceptiveness (3.25/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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