Opticians, Dispensing Salary in Northwest Illinois

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $37,390 -19.7% vs national
Median hourly $17.98
10th percentile $34,500
90th percentile $50,240
Employed locally 70
National median $46,560

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Opticians, Dispensing
in
Northwest Illinois
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $34,500
    25th
    $36,000
    50th (median)
    $37,390
    75th
    $38,650
    90th
    $50,240

    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

    Related occupations in Northwest Illinois

    OccupationMedian salary
    Registered Nurses $79,540
    Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $63,550
    Pharmacy Technicians $37,160
    Dental Hygienists $84,900
    Emergency Medical Technicians $35,610
    Nurse Practitioners $128,070

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Opticians, Dispensing make per hour in Northwest Illinois?

    The median hourly wage for Opticians, Dispensing in Northwest Illinois is $17.98, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $25.01 or more per hour.

    Is Northwest Illinois above or below average for Opticians, Dispensing salaries?

    The median Opticians, Dispensing salary in Northwest Illinois is 19.7% 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 Northwest Illinois?

    Entry-level Opticians, Dispensing (10th percentile) earn around $34,500 per year in Northwest Illinois. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $36,000.