Opticians, Dispensing Salary in Waterloo, IA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA

Median annual salary $39,730 -14.7% vs national
Median hourly $19.10
10th percentile $36,250
90th percentile $48,770
Employed locally 30
National median $46,560

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Opticians, Dispensing
in
Waterloo, IA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $36,250
    25th
    $37,520
    50th (median)
    $39,730
    75th
    $45,330
    90th
    $48,770

    Waterloo economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.50% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $68,916 2023 • Census ACS
    Opticians, Dispensing salary vs area income 58% Median Opticians, Dispensing salary is 42% 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 Waterloo, IA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Registered Nurses $69,680
    Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $56,540
    Pharmacy Technicians $39,380
    Nurse Practitioners $127,410
    Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians $45,520
    Pharmacists $132,680

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Opticians, Dispensing in Waterloo, IA is $19.10, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $24.28 or more per hour.

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

    The median Opticians, Dispensing salary in Waterloo, IA is 14.7% 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 Waterloo?

    Entry-level Opticians, Dispensing (10th percentile) earn around $36,250 per year in Waterloo, IA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $37,520.