What kind of Optician does $25.00 per hour get you?

[braheem24]

Just wondering expectations around the country.

[Dave Metzger]

In the NY tristate area you get an entry level licensed optician. In NH you get an ABOM

[obxeyeguy]

Not really sure the two necessarily go hand in hand. Well they do, but really only on the very low side. Some may be more motivated to leave a moderate paying location( 28k), just as the better guy wants to stay because his daughter and grandchild are there, and lives within his means. Pay will never dictate quality, in this profession or any.

[ml43]

That's on the high side of what a Lab Manager makes at a well know retailer.

[uncut]

Just wondering expectations around the country.

I would assume that they would do a twenty-five dollar job's worth of work.............and not much more. YGWYPF.

[kentmitchell1961]

In NH you would get opticians killing each other for the opportunity to make that much, I'm one of the highest paid in the state and don't make that much.... In NY, a kid straight out of school with no clue what to do and how to do it. Ain't fair.....

[optical24/7]

Too dependent on demographics Bro. Higher cost of living + availability of work can mean even unlicensed states meet or surpass that for an average optician. Smaller communities, little competition, the owner can decide what he'll offer for wages.

[eryn]

When do I start? LOL

[Golfnorth]

In NH you would get opticians killing each other for the opportunity to make that much, I'm one of the highest paid in the state and don't make that much.... In NY, a kid straight out of school with no clue what to do and how to do it. Ain't fair.....

Just curious as to how you know that you are one of the highest paid opticians in your state.
Do you visit each store and swap pay stubs?

Regards,
Golfnorth

[kentmitchell1961]

It is a very small state and we all know who pays the best, and who the worst.........

[LandLord]

A loaded question. It all depends on how effective you are at hiring and managing people. If you suck as a leader, your employees will be lazy and ask for raises.

[Johns]

I've run an advertisement for an optician for Saturdays for the last 6 months....$28.00 per hour. No takers.
(In economically depressed Ohio no less.)

[Slim]

id move for 28 an hr.... just saying. im optical manager, lead optician, and lab manager at a private place. 38 appointments a day avg, upscale subrubs of chicago... what would you say thats worth?

[Johns]

id move for 28 an hr.... just saying. im optical manager, lead optician, and lab manager at a private place. 38 appointments a day avg, upscale subrubs of chicago... what would you say thats worth?

More than $28 an hour...

[uncut]

I've run an advertisement for an optician for Saturdays for the last 6 months....$28.00 per hour. No takers.
(In economically depressed Ohio no less.)

That day of the week might require "danger pay", or at very least........."you-have to-put-up-with-tire-kickers-day-today" rate of pay

[Johns]

That day of the week might require "danger pay", or at very least........."you-have to-put-up-with-tire-kickers-day-today" rate of pay

You're right. We've offered to pay mileage as well.

[Johns]

You're right. We've offered to pay mileage as well.

...not from Texas, Fla., or NC, though!

[Johns]

Someone pointed out that I've offered $35 per hour in the past.That offer was for a Saturday, from 9-1. The pay had better be at least $35.00 per hour if you're only giving 4 hours, and they've got to get up on a Saturday. Depending on where it is, what day of the week it is, and how many total hours we're offering, it will vary wildly. I guess that's where the "danger pay comes in".

[tigerlilly]

$25 an hour is more than what I started at in '07 in an unlicensed state with a Cole Vision pay structure, which was higher than average in the area. It's less than I make now, but slightly more than the others I work with.

How is cost of living in your area? Are you licensed? I'm amazed Johns can't find anyone to work for him. I'd join him in a hot minute if I were in his area.

[Johns]

The average pay per hour in my area is between $14-18 per hour, but that is for a 40 hr. week. I am offering a premium for limited hours.

[tigerlilly]

So it works out to the same money for working fewer hours. Doesn't that make it an even better deal?

[Johns]

So it works out to the same money for working fewer hours. Doesn't that make it an even better deal?

For sure. I thought it would be great for someone that was staying home with their kids during the week, and wanted to pick up some weekend money, or someone that worked for an MD M-F, that had Sat. off.

[Browman]

What part of the country you in, Johns?

Suburban Houston is so glutted with optical operations that most places are offering $8-9 an hour. Working optical here is pretty much only an option is you're being supported by someone else.

[Golfnorth]

What part of the country you in, Johns?

Suburban Houston is so glutted with optical operations that most places are offering $8-9 an hour. Working optical here is pretty much only an option is you're being supported by someone else.

That is unbelievable! Why bother for $8 or $9 an hour?
Sell real estate or something else.

[Browman]

That is unbelievable! Why bother for $8 or $9 an hour?
Sell real estate or something else.

$8 an hour is better than zero, and I don't have to wear a hairnet.