How to Research Salary Ranges and Benefits for an Optician

The average annual salary for opticians in the United States is approximately $28,000. Experienced opticians receive higher salaries in states that require licensure.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet Access
• Computers

1. Check out Web sites for up-to-date information about the field, including your state's licensing requirements, if any. A search engine like Google or Yahoo is a good place to start.

2. Understand that earning the distinction of a certification can add to your earning power. See the Opticians Association of America Web site (oaa.org) for certification information.

3. Ask local opticians for their advice about entering the field.

4. Realize that advancement into management or store ownership is another way to eventually increase your income.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider attending a community college for an associate's degree in ophthalmic dispensing or optometric technology. Although you do not need a degree to become an optician, it will increase your earning capability.
• Realize that you may need to work weekends, which may affect your personal life.

on 8/8/2006 It takes 8 years of college to become an optometrist. 4 years to get a bachelors, and 4 to get a Doctor of Optometry degree. Very few students may get offered early admission after applying to optometry school with 3 years of undergraduate course work including excelling in all the prerequisites. Additionally, it is generally required to pass all 3 parts of the National Board exam totaling 36 hours of testing in addition to specific state board requirements.

on 3/12/2006 It takes 8 years of college to become an optometrist. 4 years to get a Bachelors, and 4 to get a Doctor of Optometry degree. Very few students may get offered early admission after applying to optometry school with 3 years of undergraduate course work, including excelling in all the prerequisites. Additionally, it is generally required to pass all 3 parts of the National Board exam, totaling 36 hours of testing in addition to specific state board requirements.