Missouri ranks 45th of 51 states and D.C. for opticians, dispensing pay, trailing top-paying New Jersey ($66,250) by $29,290 — a 79% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $31,000 to $51,950 — a $20,950 spread, 46% tighter than the national $38,770 range.
Missouri employs roughly 2.0% of all opticians, dispensing in the country (1,610 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $31,000 | $14.90 |
| 25th percentile | $34,280 | $16.48 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $36,960 | $17.77 |
| 75th percentile | $45,180 | $21.72 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $51,950 | $24.98 |
| Mean (average) | $44,340 | $21.32 |
How Missouri Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Missouri |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri (current) | $36,960 | n/a |
| New Jersey | $66,250 | +79% |
| Connecticut | $64,780 | +75% |
| Massachusetts | $63,810 | +73% |
| New York | $60,100 | +63% |
| District of Columbia | $59,110 | +60% |
| California | $57,770 | +56% |
| Vermont | $57,500 | +56% |
| Florida | $56,920 | +54% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Missouri
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers | $36,990 | 21,150 |
| Self-Enrichment Teachers | $37,020 | 5,030 |
| Packers and Packagers, Hand | $36,850 | 8,480 |
| Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse | $36,760 | 1,660 |
| Nursing Assistants | $37,170 | 32,650 |
| File Clerks | $37,230 | 970 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Opticians, Dispensing salary in Missouri?
The mean opticians, dispensing salary in Missouri is $44,340 per year. The median (middle) salary is $36,960 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Opticians, Dispensing in Missouri?
Entry-level opticians, dispensings (10th percentile) in Missouri typically earn around $31,000 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $34,280 per year.
What is the highest Opticians, Dispensing salary in Missouri?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Missouri make approximately $51,950 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $45,180 per year.
How does the Missouri Opticians, Dispensing salary compare to the national average?
The median opticians, dispensing salary in Missouri is $36,960, which is -21% below national average of $46,560.