Pay Scale in Portland Oregon.

[hideNsneak]

I wasn't sure where to post this so figured general forms might be the place.

I just want to say hi to everyone .. and this board has some really good info that most opticians use on a dailey basis. I'm a Lic Optician in Mass, but about to relocate to Portland Oregon. I do know its a non Lic state that being said.. I am current on my ABO cert. Can someone tell me what the Pay scale their is.. I currently make about 22 a hour with commisions.. I did some calling around but no opticians could give me a general estimate of the payscale.. I would appreciate any help I could get on this..
thanks again..
JD

[rbaker]

I am sorry that I can’t give you a more specific answer to your question but I am no longer a member of the working class. I do, however, live half the year in Massachusetts and half the year in Oregon.

In general, you will find wages somewhat lower in Portland than Boston but the cost of living is also lower. The Pacific Northwest is a sportsman’s paradise and the scenic attractions are second to none. For example, you just can’t compare Cape Cod with the Pacific Coast as far as beauty and access.

If you are a liberal moonbat you will find plenty of companionship in Portland, Salem and Eugene. If you are a gun toting, bible thumping conservative you will be welcomed in most of the rest of the state.

The main attractions to consider in addition to wages might be climate, quality of life and a good place to raise a family.

[Kyle]

Oregon results from the Department of Labor are below:

Oregon Dispensing Opticians
employed: 900
mean hourly wage: $ 17.87
mean annual wage: $ 37,160.00

[JRS]

You might want to check employment in Vancouver, WA.

It is just across the river (Columbia) from Portland. The advantage would be no state income tax in WA, and you just go across to OR to shop - no sales tax.

[sharpstick777]

You might want to check employment in Vancouver, WA. It is just across the river (Columbia) from Portland. The advantage would be no state income tax in WA, and you just go across to OR to shop - no sales tax.

Pay rate is higher in Washington... stricter licensing requirements.

Portland is a great city, and very inexpensive to live. If you like art, live music and the outdoors you are in heaven.
There are lot of great Opticians... but its been hit harder than most cities by the bad economy. Portland leads the US in college educated homeless people and in strip clubs (52 .. I think).

Avoid the area east of 75th Street almost to Troutdale... unless you like it rough. Hillsboro and Lake Oswego are really nice areas.

Vancouver WA is nice but uninspiring... so if you are into flat suburbs its great but you will miss the great Portland vibe. Its a nasty commute across the river so you will want to stay on one side if you can.

Lots of large offices... Oregon Eye Care Specialists and Eye Health Northwest are very big. Eye Health Northwest has 80 Drs and growing so they are always hiring. Reynolds Opticians is another choice with multiple offices. There is also an Optical group on Facebook called "Northwest Optical Professionals" that could give you some job contacts.

You will love Portland by the way... lots of cool neighborhoods... If you have more questions just PM me.

[hideNsneak]

Just want to say thanks for the feed back. Will start to send out my resume and hope I can land something decent.
JD..

[nickrock]

I would agree with most of the statements in this thread. I consider the payscale in Portland metro area pretty low and quite sad considering the type of market it is. I believe that it is a thriving eye care community that has many great opticians. Unfortunately ODs have fought tooth and nail against state licensure for many moons due to that fact that they would need to pay accordingly. The $17 and some change mentioned before is about right unless you stand out in a particular area i.e. ABO, NCLE, management exp., lab experience and so on. I find that number quite low and down right insulting.
Vancouver, WA may be a bit higher, but not much even with state licensure. I find most practices have a way to "get around" the license issue. It is also a smaller community, thus less opportunity. The groups mentioned are all importnat players in the area. EyeHealth Northwest has multiple locations scattered in the area, the optical manager, Bill, is an ABOM, with decades of experience and knowledge in the field. (They may acyuially have a job posting in the Job Board area right now.) They are mostly MDs, some ODs. Great website in my opinion, check it out at www.ehnpc.com
Oregon Eye Specialists is another large MD group with about 5-6 locations. Good rep, nuff said.
Reynolds.... I would not touch with a ten foot pole. If you do, leave the pole and back away slowly.
If you want to work in private OD practice, Portland is the Mecca.
Good luck.

[Megab7176]

So this thread seems a bit old but if you guys see this it is now 2015. Anyone know the rate of pay for a non lic Optician with a 20 year long career. I had one years ago but I left the biz then came back Years later. With out renewing it what is the going rate?

[Chris Ryser]

Optician Salary in Portland, OR

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In USD as of Aug 4, 2015		20k	40k	60k
Optician in Portland, OR	$33,000

Average Optician salaries for job postings in Portland, OR are 2% lower than average Optician salaries for job postings nationwide.

See all of it: =============>
http://www.indeed.com/salary/q-Optic...tland,-OR.html

[Megab7176]

I wonder what that works out to per hr. I got a very low offer. I feel it may be insulting...

[newguyaroundhere]

I wonder what that works out to per hr. I got a very low offer. I feel it may be insulting...

Assuming you work a 40 hour work week for the entire year, that would equal 2080 hours which would put that pay per hour at $15.86

[Megab7176]

Yep. That.s what I thought. I was offered 13.00 Not enough to live on. I asked for 16.00. Thank you guys!

[sharpstick777]

Megab7176, we have this FB group for the Pacific Northwest that is a great place to post your availability: https://www.facebook.com/groups/nwop...3523522156410/

A LOT of people find jobs here for Portland and Seattle.

[sharpstick777]

Mr Baker, sorry to resurrect an old post, but that really hits the nail on the head. Too funny.

If you are a liberal moonbat you will find plenty of companionship in Portland, Salem and Eugene. If you are a gun toting, bible thumping conservative you will be welcomed in most of the rest of the state.

The main attractions to consider in addition to wages might be climate, quality of life and a good place to raise a family.

[jillmattson11]

Wow, in MN, a licensed optician working in retail with commission is about $10.00 an hour (commission can equal to about an extra $1,000 a month). To work in, say a hospital eye clinic, it is about $18.00 an hr, no commission. I clearly live in the wrong place.

[rbaker]

If you really know your cookies as an Optician, that is on the craft level as a Journeyman you should be able to knock down 50K and if a Master 75K regardless of location or licensing. Ninety percent of the employers out there will not come close to this wage so you will have to seek out the few very best ethical retail businesses in the area and this, for sure ain't the corporate or optometric shop.

If you ain't the best optician in town you ain't going to get the big bucks. As the say, money talks - BS walks.

[rbaker]

Wow, in MN, a licensed optician working in retail with commission is about $10.00 an hour (commission can equal to about an extra $1,000 a month). To work in, say a hospital eye clinic, it is about $18.00 an hr, no commission. I clearly live in the wrong place.

I see you identify yourself as an Ophthalmic Technician. Are you credentialed by the JCAHPO as a COA or COMT? If so you should be looking for a new job.