Also called: Optician
Helps customers choose and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses based on prescriptions.
Helps a teen pick frames that suit their face, measures the distance between pupils, adjusts the fit, and repairs a bent pair. Some states require a license.
BLS May 2024.
High school diploma, about 1 year after high school. High school diploma plus on-the-job training or an associate degree; licensing in some states.
Ways in: On-the-job training, 2-year college, Apprenticeship. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Majors to look at: Opticianry (associate).
Growing slowly (about 1% over 10 years).
Medium risk for 10 years. Online glasses and virtual try-on take routine sales; measuring, adjusting and fixing frames in person remain.
Age 18+. One way to start: Apply at optical stores in states without optician licensing; licensed states need an apprenticeship
Classes: Physics (optics), Business class, Art.
Official data: O*NET occupation 29-2081.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.