California ranks 6th of 51 states and D.C. for opticians, dispensing pay, trailing top-paying New Jersey ($66,250) by $8,480 — a 15% gap.
California employs roughly 10.3% of all opticians, dispensing in the country (8,180 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $41,590 | $20.00 |
| 25th percentile | $46,690 | $22.45 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $57,770 | $27.78 |
| 75th percentile | $69,880 | $33.60 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $77,500 | $37.26 |
| Mean (average) | $59,000 | $28.37 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $57,770 | n/a |
| New Jersey | $66,250 | +15% |
| Connecticut | $64,780 | +12% |
| Massachusetts | $63,810 | +10% |
| New York | $60,100 | +4% |
| District of Columbia | $59,110 | +2% |
| Vermont | $57,500 | +0% |
| Florida | $56,920 | -1% |
| Alaska | $56,260 | -3% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Loan Interviewers and Clerks | $57,790 | 14,060 |
| Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers | $57,940 | 26,100 |
| Community Health Workers | $57,560 | 9,200 |
| Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators | $57,490 | 11,330 |
| Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks | $57,470 | 154,980 |
| Painters, Construction and Maintenance | $57,450 | 37,780 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Opticians, Dispensing salary in California?
The mean opticians, dispensing salary in California is $59,000 per year. The median (middle) salary is $57,770 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Opticians, Dispensing in California?
Entry-level opticians, dispensings (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $41,590 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $46,690 per year.
What is the highest Opticians, Dispensing salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $77,500 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $69,880 per year.
How does the California Opticians, Dispensing salary compare to the national average?
The median opticians, dispensing salary in California is $57,770, which is +24% above national average of $46,560.