Moving to Florida

[Optician11]

I am attending opticianry school out-of-state and I plan to move to Bradenton. From other posts I gather there are two many opticianry graduates and not enough jobs in the Tampa area. How difficult will it be to find a place to do my one-year practicum in opticianry? And later to find work as an optician? Could anyone tell me the approx. paying rate for apprentices and opticians in this area (Bradenton-Sarasota-Tampa)?

Thanks very much for your input.

[iaam008]

In the Tampa area, if you work for a private practice they will pay the Licensed optician as least as possible, probably starting around $15.00 per hour. The chain stores start around $17.00 per hour and if they are desperate I heard $25.00 per hour. Right now, I believe, licensed optician positions are few and far between. I believe there is an over abundance of licensed opticians, especially where the opticianry schools are. I would certainly call the stores in the area you are looking to live and get some idea of their pay and "if" there are any job openings. Continued success in your career.