Optician / Licensed Dispensing Optician in St. Louis, MO
Salary data, training programs, and job outlook for St. Louis-area Optician / Licensed Dispensing Opticians
💰 St. Louis Area Salary
Salaries vary by employer, experience, and certifications. St. Louis figures based on regional BLS data and cost-of-living adjustments.
📋 About Optician / Licensed Dispensing Optician Work in St. Louis
Opticians fit and dispense eyeglasses and contact lenses using prescriptions written by optometrists and ophthalmologists. It's an accessible allied health career with a professional, customer-facing role in retail optical settings — and many states offer clear licensure pathways through apprenticeship.
What You Do Day-to-Day
- Interpret eye prescriptions and select appropriate lenses
- Help patients choose frames that fit their face and lifestyle
- Measure pupillary distance and fit eyeglasses
- Adjust and repair frames
- Educate patients on contact lens care
🎓 Training Programs Near St. Louis
Browse all Missouri schools offering Optician / Licensed Dispensing Optician programs.
📈 Job Outlook
National Growth: 4% (Average)
National Jobs: 74K employed nationwide
Credential Required: ABO-NCLE Certification + State License (most states)
Typical Program: Opticianry Certificate or AAS — 1–2 years