Dispensing opticians Pay Data UK — 2024

Dispensing opticians roles in the UK earn a median of £27,010 per year, equivalent to £15.00 per hour as of 2024. This represents a 4.2% increase in annual pay compared to the previous year. Pay varies across the UK, ranging from £22,964 to £38,547 per year.

How Pay Varies Across the UK

Each bar shows how many areas of the UK have a median annual pay in that range for Dispensing opticians roles. The dashed line marks the national median.

Based on sub-regional area data. Want a precise figure for your area?

About Dispensing opticians

Dispensing opticians supply, fit and service spectacles, contact lenses and other optical aids in accordance with a prescription from an optician or optometrist.

Typical Tasks and Duties

• interprets prescription and measures patient’s face to determine distance between pupil centres, height of bridge of nose, etc.
• advises patient on lens type and choice of spectacle frames
• prepares detailed instructions for workshop
• ensures that completed spectacles conform to specification and fit the patient correctly and comfortably
• fits spectacles and advises patient on lens care and any other difficulties likely to be experienced

Entry Routes and Qualifications

Entry is most common with GCSEs/S grades or equivalent qualifications or experience, followed by up to three years training approved by the General Optical Council (GOC). To practice entrants must pass professional exams and register with the GOC. Full-time, day-release or distance-learning options are available.

Related Occupations

Salary data is sourced from official UK pay datasets and updated periodically.