Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Opticians, Dispensing make in Tennessee?
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 Tennessee earn a median salary of $49,840 per year ($4,153/month). This is 2.9% above the national average of $48,434. Tennessee ranks #15 out of 51 states for Opticians, Dispensing pay. Approximately 1,530 people work in this occupation across Tennessee. Salaries increased by 4.2% 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 Tennessee range from $34,740 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $74,160 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $37,620 and $63,100.
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $34,740 | $16.70 | $2,895 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,620 | $18.09 | $3,135 |
| Median (50th) | $49,840 | $23.96 | $4,153 |
| 75th Percentile | $63,100 | $30.34 | $5,258 |
| 90th Percentile (Experienced) | $74,160 | $35.65 | $6,180 |
Note: The mean (average) salary of $51,920 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
Similar Jobs That Pay More in Tennessee:
What does this salary really buy? See Opticians, Dispensing salary in Tennessee adjusted for cost of living →
How much do you actually take home? See Opticians, Dispensing take-home pay in Tennessee after taxes →
Compare Opticians, Dispensing pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.
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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