Being an optician is a relatively low-stress career in a world full of high-pressure jobs. While there may be the occasional customer service issue that tests your skills, this profession is generally enjoyable. Studies show that opticians have high job satisfaction and average stress levels (source). In other words, opticians consider their work to be quite relaxed. Becoming an optician is a challenging yet rewarding process.
It requires extensive training, and some opticians enter the profession with an associate's degree or certificate from a community college or technical school. Licensed opticians may need to complete continuing education hours each year or every two years to maintain their license. Surprisingly, part-time opticians can be the most stressed out, as even a full-time optician's salary may not be enough to support a family. To become an optician, you must complete a course approved by the General Council of Optics and pass the professional qualification exams of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO).Opticians typically have a high school diploma or equivalent and receive on-the-job training. According to employee reports, the average salary for a Costco Wholesale Optician is estimated to be around $29 per hour. To be eligible for the licensing exam, potential opticians often have to graduate from an approved training program or complete an internship.
All in all, becoming an optician is a long but rewarding journey.