Optician Career in NJ

**cstock22** · 08-31-2010, 10:16 AM

Very confused here. I am 44 years old and in the middle of a career change from graphic design to becoming a licensed optician. I will be starting my second year of school at Raritan Valley CC in the fall. My concern is whether or not this is a good field. I have a lot riding on this and do not want to be pursuing this career if it is not worth it. Along with my graphic design experience, I have experience working as a certified ophthalmic assistant. I was laid off from my graphic design job one year ago and did not see many opportunities. For that reason I decided to return to school. I have friends who still work in ophthalmology who tell me I could make about $20/hr. if I went back to that. I decided to return to school because the program coordinator and some other opticians I had spoken to seemed to indicate that one could make $50,000/year to start with a license in NJ and could realistically make $60,000 with some years of experience, more if you own your own place. Is this true???? An optician I spoke with today said salary ranges in NJ for a licensed optician are about $25-30/hr. That comes in at $50,000-$60,000/year. What is the truth here? Any input would be much appreciated. Also, do Optometric or Ophthalmology practices pay better? I am pretty sure I do not want to work for one of the chains. I really get concerned when I hear asbout people making $14.00/hr. I could do better than that working as a tech. Again, I am just looking to be able to support myself in NJ. Thanks in advance for any input.
cstock

**MikeAurelius** · 08-31-2010, 10:20 AM

Are you a people person? Can you work retail (or have you ever worked retail)?

If it's all about money, then I'd suggest that you consider counselling - making a profession decision only on the basis of money is a poor way to start a new career in mid-life.

**cstock22** · 08-31-2010, 11:04 AM

I was afraid of a response like that. My decision to pursue a career as an optician was not based purely on money. I am a mature 45 year old woman with a young child I need to think about supporting. In answer to your question, yes I do like people and feel I have a lot of qualities which would make me a good optician. I am motivated, pretty smart and very dedicated. The reasons I have chosen to pursue this career are that I think it will be challenging and is an interesting field, that the job market for opticians is good and that it will be a profession where I can support myself. I also have a background in eyecare. I am putting a great deal of effort into obtaining this degree and think it is only reasonable to want to make a living wage when I have reached my goal. Hope this clears up my position.

**cstock22** · 08-31-2010, 11:05 AM

I was afraid of a response like that. My decision to pursue a career as an optician was not based purely on money. I am a mature 45 year old woman with a young child I need to think about supporting. In answer to your question, yes I do like people and feel I have a lot of qualities which would make me a good optician. I am motivated, pretty smart and very dedicated. The reasons I have chosen to pursue this career are that I think it will be challenging and is an interesting field, that the job market for opticians is good and that it will be a profession where I can support myself. I also have a background in eyecare. I am putting a great deal of effort into obtaining this degree and think it is only reasonable to want to make a living wage when I have reached my goal. Hope this clears up my position.

**Fezz** · 08-31-2010, 11:30 AM

Here is an interesting read about salaries:

http://www.eyecarebiz.com/article.aspx?article=102142

**Wes** · 08-31-2010, 11:34 AM

I am not a NJ optician, but those numbers seem sound to me. I'd guess you'd make more in a larger ophthalmology practice due to the higher level of difficulties associated with fitting their patient base as opposed to the general public that is seen by most optometrists. Actual situations may vary.

**Fezz** · 08-31-2010, 11:35 AM

You could always contact the Optician's Assoc. in New Jersey!

http://oanj.org/

Maybe you could find a few members and speak with them! Check the job bank out and make a few calls and ask the employers what they are paying. You could explain your quandry and seek their advice!

**CNG** · 09-04-2010, 10:26 AM

Im in Florida which is also a licensed state and a very depressed economy...yet we are surviving. When I took over my brother store, we average about 45000 in salary for that first year. Today we are netting WAY more but we have diversified our services. We also have an OMD that comes 1-3 days a week to perform eye exams. We do contact lens fits, low vision and spectacles. We assist with refractions for the OMD (yes those skills and certificates do come handy, C.O.T.). Dont let people get you down with the $14. Keep your ophthlmology credential because if you ever decide to have an OMD and you can provide tech support and many OMD will be willing to do a half morning in your place if you can accuarately provide that.
CNG