Starting wage for apprentice optician/student optician

[hcjilson]

I am working on a project to determine the average starting wage for an apprentice optician or a student enrolled in a 2 year degree program. For the purposes of this excercise, consider them equal at the start. Bear in mind this wage will be increased at regular increments, in either 6 or 3 steps (not important which) to arrive at a journeyman's wage by the end of the training or education period. To avoid skewing the study please do not respond if you are outside the country. Thank you for your assistance.

[rbaker]

Can a single person live on the Cape at $12.00 an hour?

[Jacqui]

I don't know how to answer this, really. Marybeth started at $7.50 when she was in high school as a part timer. When she left to go to pre-OD she was making $12.50 as a full time. She was exceptionally quick to learn the lab work.

[gunner05]

What about commission? I would gladly work for minimum wage if I were able to make 10% commission but I wouldn't work for $10 an hour if I didn't make any commission.

Eyemasters used to be 6 an hour plus commission but I started off at 8 an hour(because I had prior tech experience at an OD's office) and ended up making an average of 13-15 an hour, depending on the week. Walmart wanted to start everyone off at 8 an hour, with no experience and no commission. Private office wanted me to work for them for 11 flat and were offended when I told them that I was making more at a chain. Of course, those are Texas prices. If you were in a license state, those numbers may be different.

Sorry, dude, but this is a bad question as there are too many variables.

[Fezz]

Tough poll Harry.

I am finding those listed wages, the going rate for experienced folks. Here in PA, we do not have student or apprentice situations. Sad as it may seem, I would say those wages are for all levels of experience and not much more.

[hcjilson]

Rbaker and Fezz- I'm talking about someone- age not important- with absolutely no experience whatever. Entry level only- Probably would change after 90 day evaluation period. What would the pay be to start in your area?

Gemstone et al:
I started off in 1959 at the minimum wage which was $1.00 per hour. After taxes and SS withholding, the check was $31.00 and change. I paid my grandmother $10.00 a week for room and board (which she ALWAYS took, but found a way to get it back to me in any number of ingenious ways), leaving about 20 bucks for spending money and bus fare to get to evening school! My dad owned the business but took a hands off attitude when it came to my "adjustment" to the real world. The folks that brought me up in this industry we tough but gem's of the earth. I never have regretted that time.

PS thank you all for taking the time to participate. I'll tell you why after the next MA Board mtg.

[Striderswife]

For purposes of conversation, does anyone want to post what they made back when they started out??? ;) ;)

[gemstone]

for purposes of conversation, does anyone want to post what they made back when they started out??? ;) ;)

2.25

[CME4SPECS]

For purposes of conversation, does anyone want to post what they made back when they started out??? ;) ;)

$1.65 AN HOUR, 1976 Right off the street!

[braheem24]

$1.65 AN HOUR, 1976 Right off the street!

There's a term for picking up a girl off the street for the $2.00 range. :p

[EdgeOptical]

I voted 9.50-10.50

mostly because you dont know what you are going to get from the person. I think its a fair starting point, but you cant be afraid to give raises as you see fit.

I wouldnt have a problem with a low starting point as long as the pay increase as the persons skills and abilities increase. I hate when companies buy low and stay low.

It is nice to hear that some business owners put a high value on their employees and their employees lives outside the office.

[Chris Ryser]

For purposes of conversation, does anyone want to post what they made back when they started out??? ;) ;)

First Year....................$ 20.00 Month
Second Year................$ 40.00 Month
Third Year...................$ 60.00 Month

8 hour days, Sunday and Mondays off, 2 weeks holidays per year.

[DoubleD]

Back in '73, started as apprentice out of Optical School at $1.36/hr at House of Vision Lab! Thought I was in the money then.

[thetallgirl]

I started out brand new in the field 11 years ago making $7 an hour, a year later I was at $11 when I got my ABOC.

[Striderswife]

I started out brand new in the field 11 years ago making $7 an hour, a year later I was at $11 when I got my ABOC.

I was starting to think I was livin' the easy life, but you beat me. In 1996 I started at $5.00/hour (which was what I'd made as a pharmacy clerk for a year previously). I was pre-optometry in college, and I decided I needed to be working in the field I was (going to be) studying. I made it halfway through my Junior year, got married, and my priorities changed. I also decided I didn't want to be the doctor anymore. I love opticianry.

In another town, I might could make $10,000 a year better than what I make now, as an Optical Manager, but we do okay as it is. I'm actually hoping to "retire" within the next couple years.

[Jacqui]

I'm actually hoping to "retire" within the next couple years.

What does "retire" mean ??

[rbaker]

What does "retire" mean ??

Retirement is that state of life wherein you are unencumbered by the work process in order to maintain your standard of living. Retirement is the omega point for those who work hard, save money and understand that their actions today will have a profound effect on tomorrow.

[hcjilson]

What does "retire" mean ??

I'm asking the same question Granny!!!!!

[fjpod]

It's a little hard to answer. Not too many years ago, I hired lab rats (college students) for $7.50. Some went on to become licensed and were well worth having them in the practice. I have also hired non-licensed people with experience for $12.50. Currently I employ 4 licensed between $24 and $30 per hour.

Brand new licensed out of school is worth about $15 per hour in my area.