Iowa ranks 32nd of 51 states and D.C. for opticians, dispensing pay, trailing top-paying New Jersey ($66,250) by $24,440 — a 58% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $36,140 to $50,230 — a $14,090 spread, 64% tighter than the national $38,770 range.
Opticians, Dispensing are more concentrated in Iowa than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.23 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.23× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $36,140 | $17.37 |
| 25th percentile | $37,530 | $18.04 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $41,810 | $20.10 |
| 75th percentile | $46,610 | $22.41 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $50,230 | $24.15 |
| Mean (average) | $42,990 | $20.67 |
How Iowa Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa (current) | $41,810 | n/a |
| New Jersey | $66,250 | +58% |
| Connecticut | $64,780 | +55% |
| Massachusetts | $63,810 | +53% |
| New York | $60,100 | +44% |
| District of Columbia | $59,110 | +41% |
| California | $57,770 | +38% |
| Vermont | $57,500 | +38% |
| Florida | $56,920 | +36% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Iowa
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Order Clerks | $41,790 | 890 |
| Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | $41,780 | 1,070 |
| Helpers--Electricians | $42,010 | 320 |
| Office Clerks, General | $42,200 | 24,280 |
| Protective Service Workers, All Other | $41,420 | 180 |
| Pharmacy Technicians | $41,380 | 4,480 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Opticians, Dispensing salary in Iowa?
The mean opticians, dispensing salary in Iowa is $42,990 per year. The median (middle) salary is $41,810 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Opticians, Dispensing in Iowa?
Entry-level opticians, dispensings (10th percentile) in Iowa typically earn around $36,140 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $37,530 per year.
What is the highest Opticians, Dispensing salary in Iowa?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Iowa make approximately $50,230 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $46,610 per year.
How does the Iowa Opticians, Dispensing salary compare to the national average?
The median opticians, dispensing salary in Iowa is $41,810, which is -10% below national average of $46,560.