Optician Salary Guide

In 2026, a salaried optician earns between €1,900 and €3,200 gross per month depending on position and seniority. A well-established independent optician can exceed €4,000.

This guide details salaries by profile, the best-paid specialties and how to progress.

💡Legal minimums resulting from the agreement of September 14, 2023 (CCN IDCC 1431), extended by decree on December 11, 2023. These amounts are floor salaries: actual salaries are often higher, particularly in large chains and in the Paris region (+10 to 15 %). Target bonuses not included (additional €200 to €500 possible).

📌 Things to remember before reading on:

• ✅ The conventional minimum wage (IDCC 1431) is set at €1,935 gross/month since the agreement of September 14, 2023 for a level A optician.
• ✅ The fixed price is often supplemented by 200 to 500 € target-based bonuses.
• ✅ One dual skills (optometry, audioprosthesis) starts the salary
  around €3,000 right from the start.
• ✅ The well-established independents can go a long way exceed €5,000,
  but also bear the operating costs.

Disclamer: Grid in force since December 2023 - to be verified if a new revalorisation has been signed since then.

Introduction: Current salary trends in the optical industry

The optical sector currently covers three areas of expertise:

• Visual health ;
• Commerce management ;
• Creation and design.

Career development and base salary vary according to structure, level of expertise and seniority in the job. There are also optical training courses that can be taken on a sandwich basis through an apprenticeship contract. The salary scale is as follows based on the SMIC.

💡 As for remuneration, it is calculated according to age and year in cursus. It starts at 43 % of the SMIC for workers aged between 18 and 20, and at 100 % of the SMIC for those aged 26 and over during the first year of employment.

History of optical salaries

The sector has seen strong growth since the 2000s, with regular upgrading of pay scales, notably via the 100% Santé reform in 2021.

Factors influencing salary

The salary of an entry-level optician varies according to several factors, including :

• Experience;
• Geographical location ;
• Store type ;
• Job responsibilities.

An optician must have at least a BTS. The main factor influencing an optician's salary is professional experience, followed by skills and responsibilities. It should also be pointed out that remuneration can be supplemented by sales performance bonuses or some sales-related bonuses.

Details of remuneration by profile and position

In general, the a salaried optician's salary starts at €1,935 gross (level A, CCN IDCC 1431), rising to €3,700 gross at level K. Bonuses are added depending on the brand.

On the other hand, the self-employed workers can generate a higher income depending on store location and segmentation. Here are the details of an optician's salary:

1. Optician

It is also known as theoptician optometrist. He went on to study for a Licence professionnelle d'optique, after the BTS. There are also some optometrists who hold the European Diploma of Optometry, i.e. 5 years of post-baccalaureate study or Master 2 level.

He brings his expertise in the field of ocular refraction. He takes measurements and examines customers' eyesight. He then follows up customers who need to adapt their visual equipment, such as progressive or ophthalmic lenses.

Optometrists can also check eyesight and adjust prescriptions, but only with the agreement of ophthalmologists. As for salary, an entry-level optometrist earns around 2,500 euros gross per month. This salary will be evolving towards 5,000 euros for experienced optometrists working in ophthalmology practices.

2. Work-study optician

Work-study opticians are health professionals with a BTS in opticianry. They provide 3 missions at the same time :

• The functions paramedical,
• The functions techniques,
• And the functions commercial.

He advises, adapts and repairs optical equipment according to the ophthalmologist's prescriptions.

He can also carry out eye examinations to adapt prescriptions. They take care of administrative follow-up of customer files with health insurers and mutual insurance companies. He or she is responsible for sales, stock management and store management in terms of sales and communication.

The salary range for a work-study optician is between 2,063 and 3,000 euros gross. This remuneration is also accompanied by bonuses, profit-sharing or occasional challenges to stimulate the store.

💡 On the other hand independent opticians are entrepreneurs. They can earn higher revenues depending on store location and segmentation.

Optician salary according to specialties

The field of optics also encompasses other areas: commerce, management and design:

1. Vision care optician

A vision care optician must must hold a BTS diploma and a minimum optical license. This professional is committed to helping patients with low vision, i.e. below 3/10.

he can operate in-store or at home or in specialized facilities to advise on and adapt optical equipment.

💡 This specialist earns a salary of 2,500 to 3,000 euros gross. If he is self-employed, he can earn up to 5,000 euros gross.

2. Optician in business and management

An optician can work in sales and management, as an optical store manager for example. This is a qualified optician. He is responsible for managing his team and his store:

• It receives orders;
• He is in charge of customer and supplier relations;
• He is the inventory manager;
• He is in charge of accounting, human resources and sales.

Opticians in sales and management can work in the following areas between 2,500 and 3,300 euros gross per month. Self-employed workers can earn up to 5,000 euros.

3. Optician in creation and design

Artisanal spectacle makers and opticians are on the same salary scale, between €1,830 and €3,000 gross. It should be noted that their salary will depend on whether they are salaried or self-employed.

4. Optical sales fitter

The job of an optical fitter is to assist the optician in the store. They work in the workshop, fitting, adapting and repairing eyewear. He or she may also work with customers and in the day-to-day running of the store, i.e. invoicing, stock management, etc.

Optics sales fitters must hold the TMVOL (Titre de Monteur Vendeur en Optique Lunetterie). The position can evolve to become a workshop manager, or an optician through VAE. Sales fitters are paid from €1,950 gross per month.

5. Eyewear craftsman

The eyewear craftsman is the one who designs and manufactures eyeglass frames for corrective and sun lenses.

In general, the spectacle-maker self-employed to create their own brand. They can also work in a company specializing in eyewear design. This profession is all about design and technique.

The craftsman requires training in eyewear creation and design. He earns a salary from €1,830 for a beginner to €3,000 gross for the more experienced.

How can I increase my salary as an optician?

Several factors influence an optician's salary, including :

Training and qualifications

If you want to work as an optician, you need a BTS Opticien Lunetier or OL. This is prepared two years after the baccalaureate. It can also be taken on a sandwich course or as a student. The training includes theoretical and practical courses in optics, contactology, sales management and administration.

Opticians also take part in internships to gain further professional experience. In addition, complementary training courses are also on the agenda, including: the Licence Professionnelle Optique to specialize in contactology advanced or in point-of-sale management. These courses are important for those who want to deepen their skills or move into positions of responsibility.

Skills and qualities required

Opticians must have a number of qualities:

• A good listener;
• People skills ;
• Rigor;
• Manual dexterity.

The optician's job is indeed a varied one: it combines technical skills, sales, aesthetics, paramedical care and service.

FAQs

How much will an entry-level optician earn in 2026?

An entry-level optician with a BTS OL starts out between €1,935 and €2,200 gross per month, in accordance with the minimum levels set by collective agreement IDCC 1431.

💡 This amount can be supplemented by target-based bonuses (additional €200 to €500 depending on the brand).

Can an optician negotiate his salary?

Yes. The fixed amount is governed by the collective agreement, but the variable part makes all the difference: some brands offer individual bonuses that can amount to several hundred euros a month.

✅ In the independent sector, remuneration depends directly on the store's performance.

Which optics specialty pays the best?

• The dual payroll skills An optician specialized in optometry or audioprosthesis often starts at around €3,000 gross, compared with €1,935 for a standard BTS profile.
• the store management is also well remunerated, with ranges between €3,500 and €4,500 gross for a manager.

What is the collective bargaining agreement for opticians and what salaries does it set?

Employed opticians are covered by the convention collective nationale de l'optique-lunetterie de détail (IDCC 1431). For healthcare professionals, the scale ranges from level A (€1,935 gross/month) to level K (€3,700 gross/month), depending on experience and responsibilities.

These amounts are the legal minimums: real wages are generally higher, especially in the larger chains and in the Île-de-France region. The most recent increase dates from the agreement of September 14, 2023, which was extended in December 2023.

Does an independent optician earn more than an employee?

Usually yes, sometimes much more: a self-employed manager can earn between
4,000 to €10,000 gross per month, depending on location and management
store. But it also bears all the operating costs, which is why the
that an employee doesn't have to manage.

Conclusion: what does the future hold for opticians' salaries?

The optician's profession offers solid, progressive salary prospects. In 2026, the range will be from €1,935 gross for a beginner to over €10,000 for a well-established self-employed manager - a difference that primarily reflects career and specialization choices.

Levers for increase your compensation are clear:

• Dual skills (optometry, hearing aids),
• Moving into store management,
• Or taking the step to independence with a good location.

💡 To note : Working in Île-de-France or a major metropolis offers an average of 10 to 15 % more salary than in the provinces.