FAQ
Optician FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as an optician.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming an optician: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about opticians
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.
Is optician a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +4.2% from 2025–35 (about as fast as average), with about 5,600 openings each year. Upsides include help people see better; a common challenge is that retail hours.
What skills does an optician need?
Key technical skills include prescription interpretation, frame selection, lens measurements, and frame adjustment. Employers also value customer service, attention to detail, and patience.
What certifications are available for opticians?
Common credentials include ABO Certification, NCLE Certification, State optician license, and Advanced ABO certification. About half of states license opticians, often requiring training and ABO/NCLE exams.
Still deciding?
Try the Optician fit quiz, compare with Optometrist, or explore Optician training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 29-2081 (Opticians, dispensing).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Opticians, dispensing (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.