Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Opticians, Dispensing make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Opticians, Dispensing in California earn a median salary of $57,990 per year ($4,832/month). This is 19.7% above the national average of $48,434. California ranks #9 out of 51 states for Opticians, Dispensing pay. Approximately 7,840 people work in this occupation across California. Salaries increased by 0.4% compared to 2024.
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.
Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Salaries for Opticians, Dispensing in California range from $42,390 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $81,680 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $47,050 and $77,460.
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $42,390 | $20.38 | $3,532 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,050 | $22.62 | $3,920 |
| Median (50th) | $57,990 | $27.88 | $4,832 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,460 | $37.24 | $6,455 |
| 90th Percentile (Experienced) | $81,680 | $39.27 | $6,806 |
Note: The mean (average) salary of $61,070 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
Similar Jobs That Pay More in California:
What does this salary really buy? See Opticians, Dispensing salary in California adjusted for cost of living →
How much do you actually take home? See Opticians, Dispensing take-home pay in California after taxes →
Compare Opticians, Dispensing pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.
* Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS