Healthcare career

Optician

Also called: Dispensing Optician · Licensed Optician · Eyewear Specialist · Contact Lens Optician

What opticians do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
What does an optician do?

Dispensing opticians help customers select eyeglass frames and lenses, take measurements, fit and adjust eyewear, and in some states fit contact lenses. The median pay is $47,260 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 1–2 years on the job, and employment is projected to grow +4.2% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

  • Median pay
    $47,260
    $22.72/hour · May 2025
  • Job growth
    +4.2%
    2025–35, about as fast as average
  • Openings per year
    5,600
    Average, 2025–35
  • Typical entry education
    High school diploma or equivalent
    BLS classification
  • Time to train
    1–2 years on the job
    Typical program length
  • U.S. jobs
    74,300
    Employment, 2025

What opticians do

Opticians turn prescriptions into great-fitting glasses. They help customers pick frames, recommend lens types and coatings, take measurements such as pupillary distance, order lenses, adjust and repair frames, and teach contact lens care. Many work in optical shops, eye doctor offices and retail chains.

Most opticians have a high school diploma and learn on the job; some complete certificate or associate programs. About half of states require a license.

Typical duties

  • Help customers choose frames and lenses
  • Take facial and eye measurements
  • Interpret prescriptions
  • Order lenses
  • Fit and adjust eyewear
  • Repair frames
  • Teach contact lens care

Work environment and schedule

Opticians work in optical stores, eye doctor offices and retail chains.

Schedule: Retail settings often include evenings and weekends.

A day in the life

  1. Open the optical shop.
  2. Help a customer choose frames.
  3. Measure for progressive lenses.
  4. Adjust frames for comfort.

See a full day in the life of an optician →

Optician salary

Half of opticians earned more than $47,260 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $35,610 for the lowest 10% to $76,750 for the top 10%.

Full optician pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become an optician

  1. Get hired at an optical shop
  2. Learn measurements and fitting
  3. Consider a program
  4. Pass ABO and NCLE exams
  5. Get licensed if required

A high school diploma plus long on-the-job training is typical; some complete optician programs. Some states require a license.

Step-by-step guide to becoming an optician →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

  • Prescription interpretation
  • Frame selection
  • Lens measurements
  • Frame adjustment
  • Lens types and coatings

People skills

  • Customer service
  • Attention to detail
  • Patience
  • Style sense

All optician skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Help people see better
  • Short training path
  • Mix of style and science
  • Steady demand

Cons

  • Retail hours
  • Sales goals
  • Modest pay
  • Licensing varies by state

Certifications and licenses

  • ABO Certification: American Board of Opticianry.
  • NCLE Certification: National Contact Lens Examiners.
  • State optician license: Required in some states.
  • Advanced ABO certification: Advanced credential.

Career path

  1. Optical Assistant: Learn basics.
  2. Optician: Fit eyewear.
  3. Licensed or Master Optician: Advanced skills.
  4. Optical Manager: Run an optical shop.

Learn the job before day one

Our Optician training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as measure for progressive lenses and adjust glasses for comfort, safety and how to land your first job.

View Optician trainingIs this career right for me?

Optometrist

Examine eyes, prescribe glasses and contacts, and treat eye conditions.

  • $136,570
  • 8 years after high school

Compare: Optician vs. Optometrist · Optician vs. Ophthalmic Tech · Optician vs. Optical Lab Tech · Optician vs. Retail Sales Associate

Optician FAQ

Do opticians need a license?

Some states require one.

What’s the difference between an optician and an optometrist?

Opticians fit eyewear; optometrists examine eyes and prescribe.

Do opticians need a degree?

Not usually; training is often on the job.

How much does an optician make?

The median annual wage for opticians was $47,260 ($22.72 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $35,610 and the highest 10% earned more than $76,750.

How long does it take to become an optician?

Most people need about 1–2 years on the job of training. A high school diploma plus long on-the-job training is typical; some complete optician programs. Some states require a license.

Do you need a degree to be an optician?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus long-term on-the-job training.

More optician questions →

Sources

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

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