How much does an optician make in Durham?
$58,310a year
Median yearly pay for opticians in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC metro area. That is $28.03 an hour or $4,859 a month.
- Hourly
- $28.03
- Vs. national median
- +23%
- Rank among cities
- 48 of 318
- Jobs in the area
- 80
Pay range
Lowest 10%: $37,320Median: $58,310Highest 10%: $84,420
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | $37,320 | $17.94 | |
| 25th | $42,640 | $20.50 | |
| Median | $58,310 | $28.03 | |
| 75th | $75,920 | $36.50 | |
| 90th | $84,420 | $40.59 |
Other cities in North Carolina
Median yearly pay for opticians.
| Greensboro, NC | $59,420 |
| Fayetteville, NC | $57,780 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $55,990 |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $52,390 |
| Charlotte, NC | $51,620 |
| Asheville, NC | $49,110 |
| Raleigh, NC | $47,090 |
| Wilmington, NC | $45,400 |
| Hickory, NC | $40,910 |
Related jobs in Durham
Same field, median yearly pay.
| Family Medicine Physician | $220,800 |
| Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon | $220,000 |
| Dentist | $208,500 |
| Orthodontist | $200,000 |
| Pharmacist | $141,400 |
| Physician Assistant | $132,700 |
| Veterinarian | $132,500 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $132,300 |
| Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioner | $123,300 |
| Dental Hygienist | $101,500 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does an optician make an hour in Durham?
The median hourly pay in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC metro area is $28.03 ($58,310 a year).
Do opticians make more in Durham than the national average?
Yes: $58,310 against $47,260 nationally, 23% more.
How does Durham compare with the rest of North Carolina?
The median in North Carolina is $50,190, so Durham pays 16% more.
Where does Durham rank for optician pay?
48 of 318 metro areas with data.
How much does an optician make starting out in Durham?
The lowest-paid 10% make $37,320 or less a year; the top 10% make $84,420 or more.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS): pay in May 2025, published by BLS in 2026. Hourly pay is the yearly figure divided by 2,080 hours.