Opticians, Dispensing Salary in Des Moines, IA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

Median annual salary $45,530 -2.2% vs national
Median hourly $21.89
10th percentile $36,420
90th percentile $51,160
Employed locally 250
National median $46,560

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Opticians, Dispensing
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Des Moines, IA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $36,420
    25th
    $39,050
    50th (median)
    $45,530
    75th
    $47,320
    90th
    $51,160

    Des Moines economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $84,209 2023 • Census ACS
    Opticians, Dispensing salary vs area income 54% Median Opticians, Dispensing salary is 46% 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
    Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL $62,070
    District of Columbia $59,110
    Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $58,530
    Sebastian-Vero Beach-West Vero Corridor, FL $57,900
    California $57,770
    Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA $57,000

    Related occupations in Des Moines, IA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Registered Nurses $78,970
    Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $61,120
    Pharmacy Technicians $43,610
    Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other $47,630
    Medical Records Specialists $52,370
    Physical Therapists $98,110

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Opticians, Dispensing make per hour in Des Moines?

    The median hourly wage for Opticians, Dispensing in Des Moines, IA is $21.89, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $27.28 or more per hour.

    Is Des Moines above or below average for Opticians, Dispensing salaries?

    The median Opticians, Dispensing salary in Des Moines, IA is 2.2% 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 Des Moines?

    Entry-level Opticians, Dispensing (10th percentile) earn around $36,420 per year in Des Moines, IA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $39,050.