South Dakota ranks 35th of 51 states and D.C. for opticians, dispensing pay, trailing top-paying New Jersey ($66,250) by $25,230 — a 62% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $35,990 to $49,670 — a $13,680 spread, 65% tighter than the national $38,770 range.
Opticians, Dispensing are more concentrated in South Dakota than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.81 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.81× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $35,990 | $17.30 |
| 25th percentile | $37,050 | $17.81 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $41,020 | $19.72 |
| 75th percentile | $45,850 | $22.04 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $49,670 | $23.88 |
| Mean (average) | $42,130 | $20.25 |
How South Dakota Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota (current) | $41,020 | n/a |
| New Jersey | $66,250 | +62% |
| Connecticut | $64,780 | +58% |
| Massachusetts | $63,810 | +56% |
| New York | $60,100 | +47% |
| District of Columbia | $59,110 | +44% |
| California | $57,770 | +41% |
| Vermont | $57,500 | +40% |
| Florida | $56,920 | +39% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in South Dakota
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing | $41,070 | 610 |
| Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders | $41,080 | 840 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | $41,250 | 80 |
| Massage Therapists | $40,780 | 140 |
| Recreation Workers | $41,380 | 570 |
| Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity | $40,470 | 310 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Opticians, Dispensing salary in South Dakota?
The mean opticians, dispensing salary in South Dakota is $42,130 per year. The median (middle) salary is $41,020 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Opticians, Dispensing in South Dakota?
Entry-level opticians, dispensings (10th percentile) in South Dakota typically earn around $35,990 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $37,050 per year.
What is the highest Opticians, Dispensing salary in South Dakota?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in South Dakota make approximately $49,670 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $45,850 per year.
How does the South Dakota Opticians, Dispensing salary compare to the national average?
The median opticians, dispensing salary in South Dakota is $41,020, which is -12% below national average of $46,560.