Also called: Optician, Licensed Optician
Helps people choose eyeglasses and contact lenses and fits them so they see clearly.
You read a customer's prescription, measure the distance between their pupils, and help them pick frames that fit their face. Then you adjust the arms so the glasses sit just right. It's a people job built on the physics of lenses.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
High school diploma, about 1 year after high school. High school diploma plus on-the-job training or a 1-2 year program; about half of states require a license.
Ways in: On-the-job training, Certification, 2-year college, Apprenticeship. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Opticianry (2-year), Ophthalmic Dispensing.
Growing about average (about 3% over 10 years).
Medium risk for 10 years. Online glasses and AI face-fitting apps take some sales; in-person fitting and adjusting frames stay human.
Age 18+. One way to start: Apply to optical stores (LensCrafters, Walmart Vision) as an optical associate; some states license later
Classes: Algebra, Biology, Speech.
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.