North Carolina ranks 13th of 51 states and D.C. for opticians, dispensing pay, trailing top-paying New Jersey ($66,250) by $16,680 — a 34% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $35,600 to $78,100 — a $42,500 spread, 10% wider than the national $38,770 range.
Opticians, Dispensing are less concentrated in North Carolina than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.75 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.33× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $35,600 | $17.12 |
| 25th percentile | $38,280 | $18.40 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $49,570 | $23.83 |
| 75th percentile | $67,730 | $32.56 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $78,100 | $37.55 |
| Mean (average) | $53,600 | $25.77 |
How North Carolina Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina (current) | $49,570 | n/a |
| New Jersey | $66,250 | +34% |
| Connecticut | $64,780 | +31% |
| Massachusetts | $63,810 | +29% |
| New York | $60,100 | +21% |
| District of Columbia | $59,110 | +19% |
| California | $57,770 | +17% |
| Vermont | $57,500 | +16% |
| Florida | $56,920 | +15% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in North Carolina
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | $49,580 | 64,610 |
| Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators | $49,710 | 3,420 |
| Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education | $49,400 | 44,040 |
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $49,390 | 12,270 |
| Surveying and Mapping Technicians | $49,780 | 4,510 |
| Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks | $49,830 | 12,550 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Opticians, Dispensing salary in North Carolina?
The mean opticians, dispensing salary in North Carolina is $53,600 per year. The median (middle) salary is $49,570 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Opticians, Dispensing in North Carolina?
Entry-level opticians, dispensings (10th percentile) in North Carolina typically earn around $35,600 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $38,280 per year.
What is the highest Opticians, Dispensing salary in North Carolina?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in North Carolina make approximately $78,100 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $67,730 per year.
How does the North Carolina Opticians, Dispensing salary compare to the national average?
The median opticians, dispensing salary in North Carolina is $49,570, which is +6% above national average of $46,560.