Moving to Michigan and wondering about average optician wages.

[William Walker]

Hey all,

Long time, no speak. I'm moving from Florida to Lansing, MI as soon as I secure a job and a place to live. I've got two interviews set up for Monday, 8/22 while I'll be up there getting my girlfriend moved into her dorm at MSU.

I'm sure I won't be able to walk into a management position, which is fine for me. I've been used to Florida optician's wages, and curious as to what I should expect walking in to these interviews in a few weeks.

Due to the sensitive nature, even in ballpark wages, feel free to privately send me a reply.

My basic bio:
Sears Optical as sales associate ('98-'01)
Left when Sears Optical Dr left to start his own practice - I left to run it
Practice Manager / Optician ('01-'05)
Costco Optical as sales associate ('05-'07), then promoted to Manager ('07-'11)

Florida Licensed
Florida Board Certified

ABO / ABOA / NCLE - but let cert expire (LDO superceeded it for FL)
To renew would be more expensive than retaking test, so I'm just going to retake tests this Nov.

CPOA

Opticianry Degree
Optical Business Management Degree
Associate in Arts Degree

Certified as:
Ophthalmic Lab Technician
Low Vision Specialist and
Eye Care Technician
From Hillsborough Community College in Tampa

Any ideas or suggestions are welcome. :)

[Audiyoda]

Where to start.

First, I know a few shops in the Lansing area, if you want to PM me or shoot me an email (audiyoda [at] gmail [dot] com), I'll give you any heads up I can.

Now regarding Michigan in general. I need to stress that Michigan does not have any licensing requirements - NONE. The job outlook for opticians have not been great - I know many that are out of work. And many others that are driving 50+ miles daily (each way) for a $10/hr job. That you have two interviews lined up is great. But you are very over qualified for nearly any job in this state. Unfortunately doctors know how bad it is and when they're looking for help they're not looking to pay well - I was talking to a few friends the other night during my softball league (they're not opticians) but have been in a trade-based job for as long as I have. They've seen their wages consistently go up over the last 15-20 years - that's something I can't say (and I dare say many opticians would say the same).

When I say you're over qualified you really are - your ABO-AC won't mean anything to anyone. The ABOC barely means anything - it hurts me to say that, but it's true. But I have some insights that might be meaningful for you - send me a PM or email - would love to talk with you in private.

[chip anderson]

Damn cold in Michigan, especially after living in Florida. Sure you can't find a girl that want's to stay in Florida?
Not to mention the ones in Florida tend to have nice tans and the the ones in Michigan are rather pale by comparison.

Chip

[Audiyoda]

Have to agree with Chip on this one - and Lansing gets some strange winter weather. Not as much snow as we get here on the west side of the state but when it does snow there is snows hard. I've seen the city come to a halt for a few days (not Michigan State though - I was going there at the time and had to find my way to class regardless of the two feet of snow in my driveway and street).

[Craig]

How old is your girlfriend? You must be in your low 30's and she is living in the dorm?
I might be jealous, but would not live in the cold again.
Craig

[William Walker]

Thanks everyone. :)

This girlfriend is a keeper - pretty sure she's the one.

The masters degree should take her about a year and a half to two years, and we'll be looking for somewhere warm and toasty immediately afterward (she's a beach bum like me).

Audiyoda, you'll have an email shortly.

[Bill West]

Best to you William, I would find me a small good spot and open a store. I'd drive a truck before I'd work in this business for less than $25 hr. I can give you an idea that works and I think will work anywhere.
Bill

[Audiyoda]

I agree with Bill. Believe me when I say I wish I had the start up capitol - the East Lansing area (especially around campus) is prime for a optical with fair prices and great service.

[chip anderson]

If she's a keeper, why not make an honest woman of her?

[Diopterman]

It would be much better if you would move to Montana and raise a little dental floss!

[Johns]

Here's the solution to your "problem".

1. Keep your girlfriend.
2. Keep your job.

With the difference in money you can earn at your current job, you'll be able to fly up (or fly her down) to see her at least 3 times a month. That way, she can study, you won't have to relocate, and your retain your seniority at work. I haven't even mentioned all the savings in not having to relocate your home, and then to move again in less than 2 years.

[Pdarnall]

+1 to what Darby said.

I commute 10 hours per week to get to my location [#638]. Florida to Michigan can't be that far of a trip every few weeks.
Good luck!

Philip

[cocoisland58]

You'll get used to the winters.....some day. I've been a working Optician in MI for over 30 years. Many employers do care about ABO certification but not all. The ones who require it or at least prefer it pay more to those who have it. Starting pay for an experienced optician is around 14.00 per hour plus benefits and commission or around 16.00 without commission. Management 18.00 to 20.00. There are a few Michigan based chains you may want to check into along with the independents.

[Wes]

Here's the solution to your "problem".

1. Keep your girlfriend.
2. Keep your job.

With the difference in money you can earn at your current job, you'll be able to fly up (or fly her down) to see her at least 3 times a month. That way, she can study, you won't have to relocate, and your retain your seniority at work. I haven't even mentioned all the savings in not having to relocate your home, and then to move again in less than 2 years.

The best girlfriend is one who travels...
That's what mine says. She travels for work.

[Golfnorth]

The best girlfriend is one who travels...
That's what mine says. She travels for work.

The best girlfriend is one who.............oh never mind!

Regards,
Golfnorth

[Audiyoda]

You'll get used to the winters.....some day. I've been a working Optician in MI for over 30 years. Many employers do care about ABO certification but not all. The ones who require it or at least prefer it pay more to those who have it. Starting pay for an experienced optician is around 14.00 per hour plus benefits and commission or around 16.00 without commission. Management 18.00 to 20.00. There are a few Michigan based chains you may want to check into along with the independents.

??? WHERE ???

Not in Lansing and not on the West side. I keep in touch with maybe two dozen opticians I've either worked with or have met at some seminar - of those 2 work for a large OMD practice and get benefits and horrible pay. 1 works for a independent office and the OD helps with benefits and she gets decent pay with a bonus structure. 3 more with for Lux Retail - low pay, great benefits. The rest - on the low end of your scale and no benefits.

[cocoisland58]

??? WHERE ??? Not in Lansing and not on the West side.

I apologize, I am from the eastside of the state but not far at all from Lansing. The pay may be better out this way. The Michigan chains I was referring to are Henry Ford Optimeyes and SVS Vision.

[Audiyoda]

Optimeyes is only Detroit area AFAIK. SVS is a decent company - and their employees know it (at least around here). They're never hiring.

Oh for the days of Eli Shapiro - he treated employees fairly with good compensation and good benefits, and treated clients well with good prices. Alas, after he died the powers that be at nuVision didn't learn anything from him and killed the company.

[cocoisland58]

Alas, after he died the powers that be at nuVision didn't learn anything from him and killed the company.

I can attest to that. Keep watching SVS, they are hiring (have a good friend there) and maybe eventually in your area.