A constantly evolving profession, an optician is one who is always aiming for career advancement. Salaries vary according to experience, professional training, etc. In this guide, let's find out what an optician's salary will be in 2024.
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. Remuneration is calculated according to age and year in the program. It starts at 43 % of the SMIC for workers aged 18 to 20, and 100 % of the SMIC for those aged 26 and over during the first year of employment.
History of optical salaries
Between 2003 and 2013, the optics sector experienced a certain amount of growth. On average, salaried employment rose by 3.7 % per year. By contrast, in the retail sector as a whole, there was a slight increase of 1.6 %. These years were also marked by growth in the number of sales outlets: in other words, more than 4.3 % per year over the decade. This growth has been accompanied by a reduction in the number of employees per store, and of course a drop in sales.
Opticians earn more than other trades. It requires a higher level of qualification. Moreover, the price of medical optics has risen more slowly than inflation in recent years. However, the sales margin of optics remains higher than in other retail outlets. Some retail outlets charge more than 62 %.
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, an optician's salary is between 2,000 and 3,000 euros gross for an employee. Bonuses, challenges and the like can be added to this remuneration. On the other hand, self-employed opticians can generate a higher income, depending on the location and segmentation of their stores. Here are the details of an optician's salary:
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 monitor life 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.
Work-study optician
Work-study opticians are health professionals with a BTS in opticianry. They provide 3 missions It combines paramedical, technical and commercial functions. He advises, adapts and repairs optical equipment according to the ophthalmologist's prescriptions.
He can also carry out life tests 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. Independent opticians, on the other hand, are entrepreneurs. They can earn higher incomes, depending on store location and segmentation.
Salaries by specialty
The field of optics also encompasses other areas: commerce, management and design:
Vision care optician
An optician in visual health must hold at least a BTS and a Bachelor's degree in optics. This professional works with patients suffering from low vision, i.e. below 3/10. He or she can operate in a boutique, or travel to homes or 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.
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.
Optician in creation and design
Artisanal spectacle makers and opticians are on the same salary scale, between: 1,600 and 3,000 euros gross. It should be noted that their salary will depend on whether they are salaried or self-employed.
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.
Artisan lunetier
An artisan lunetier designs and manufactures spectacle frames for corrective and sun lenses. In most cases, they work on their own to create their own brand. They may also work for a company specializing in eyewear design. This profession is all about design and technique. The artisan requires training in eyewear creation and design. He earns between 1600 euros for a beginner and 3,000 euros gross for the more experienced.
Salary for independent opticians vs. salaried employees
As far as salary is concerned, a freelancer can earn a lot more than someone working for a company. Provided, of course, that the store's location is good. Speaking of self-employed workers, find out more in our text : which are the best IT freelance platforms?
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.
Conclusion: Future prospects for opticians in France
The optician's profession is progressive. They can progress to positions such as store manager, technical trainer, sales representative for an optical equipment supplier or even advanced contactology specialists. They can also set up their own independent store so that they can manage their own business and optimize their remuneration according to the results obtained.
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