Opticians, Dispensing salary in Albuquerque, NM
Opticians, Dispensing in the Albuquerque, NM metro area earn a median of $39,230 a year ($18.86 an hour), based on BLS data for 170 workers.
Pay ranges from $31,010 for the lowest-paid 10% to $76,750 for the top 10%. That is 17% lower than the national median of $47,260. Pay here is about the same as the New Mexico statewide median of $39,090. There are 0.43 opticians, dispensing per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $45,460, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for opticians, dispensing in Albuquerque, NM
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $31,010 | $14.91 |
| 25th percentile | $36,360 | $17.48 |
| Median | $39,230 | $18.86 |
| 75th percentile | $48,550 | $23.34 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $76,750 | $36.90 |
| Average (mean) | $45,460 | $21.86 |
Half of opticians, dispensing earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $3,269.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,634.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,508.85 |
| Weekly | $754.42 |
| Hourly | $18.86 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Opticians, Dispensing salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe, NM | $40,200 | 50 |
Highest-paying states for opticians, dispensing
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Connecticut | $75,300 |
| Hawaii | $75,300 |
| New Jersey | $72,460 |
| Massachusetts | $67,210 |
| New York | $63,880 |
| District of Columbia | $61,310 |
| Florida | $58,850 |
| Alaska | $58,250 |
| California | $57,990 |
| Vermont | $57,350 |
See Opticians, Dispensing pay in every state or the New Mexico statewide figures.
Related jobs in Albuquerque, NM
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | $57,370 | $27.58 |
| Pharmacy Technician | $46,630 | $22.42 |
| Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians | $47,240 | $22.71 |
| Medical Records Specialist | $60,020 | $28.86 |
| Radiologic Technologists and Technicians | $79,940 | $38.44 |
| Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | $46,650 | $22.43 |
| Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other | $47,130 | $22.66 |
| Emergency Medical Technician | $40,270 | $19.36 |
| Surgical Technologist | $51,780 | $24.90 |
| Psychiatric Technician | $39,020 | $18.76 |
| Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians | $47,340 | $22.76 |
| Paramedic | $59,330 | $28.52 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | $86,320 | $41.50 |
| Ophthalmic Medical Technician | $39,500 | $18.99 |
More: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations · all salaries in Albuquerque, NM
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 29-2081. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a opticians, dispensing make in Albuquerque, NM?
The median salary for opticians, dispensing in the Albuquerque, NM metro area is $39,230 a year, or $18.86 an hour. Pay ranges from $31,010 for the lowest-paid 10% to $76,750 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid opticians, dispensing make in Albuquerque, NM?
The top 10% of opticians, dispensing in the Albuquerque, NM metro area earn at least $76,750 a year. The top 25% earn $48,550 or more.
What is the starting pay for opticians, dispensing in Albuquerque, NM?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $31,010 a year, and a quarter of opticians, dispensing earn $36,360 or less.
How many opticians, dispensing work in Albuquerque, NM?
About 170 opticians, dispensing are employed in the Albuquerque, NM metro area, not counting the self-employed.