Opticians, Dispensing Salary in Columbia, MO

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Columbia, MO

Median annual salary $35,820 -23.1% vs national
Median hourly $17.22
10th percentile $30,160
90th percentile $50,600
Employed locally 60
National median $46,560

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Opticians, Dispensing
in
Columbia, MO
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $30,160
    25th
    $31,130
    50th (median)
    $35,820
    75th
    $43,970
    90th
    $50,600

    Columbia economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $69,463 2023 • Census ACS
    Opticians, Dispensing salary vs area income 52% Median Opticians, Dispensing salary is 48% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Opticians, Dispensing

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT $72,750
    Norwich-New London-Willimantic, CT $68,790
    Barnstable Town, MA $66,880
    New Jersey $66,250
    Watertown-Fort Drum, NY $65,870
    New Haven, CT $64,990

    Nearby metros — Opticians, Dispensing salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ $64,940
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $61,220
    Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL $59,410
    Vermont $57,500
    Modesto, CA $52,690
    Richmond, VA $52,000

    Related occupations in Columbia, MO

    OccupationMedian salary
    Registered Nurses $81,370
    Family Medicine Physicians $67,150
    Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $59,700
    Pharmacy Technicians $38,140
    Pharmacists $134,540
    Psychiatric Technicians $41,650

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Opticians, Dispensing make per hour in Columbia?

    The median hourly wage for Opticians, Dispensing in Columbia, MO is $17.22, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $22.55 or more per hour.

    Is Columbia above or below average for Opticians, Dispensing salaries?

    The median Opticians, Dispensing salary in Columbia, MO is 23.1% below the national median of $46,560. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Opticians, Dispensing in Columbia?

    Entry-level Opticians, Dispensing (10th percentile) earn around $30,160 per year in Columbia, MO. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $31,130.