SOC 29-2081
Opticians, Dispensing
Risk Score
⚠️58/100
Elevated
US Employment
👥79,690
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$47K
$34K – $73K
Projected Growth
📈+2.9%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖53/100
Moderate exposure
💡 Opticians, Dispensing face a risk score of 58/100 — 14 points above the national average of 44. With 53/100 GenAI exposure, this occupation faces significant pressure from AI tools despite strong projected growth. See our methodology →
💡 Workers in this field earn $47K ($250 above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths →
🔍 AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 58/100, Opticians, Dispensing faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like natural language processing for clinical documentation are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 79,690 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in emergency triage requiring rapid human judgment and hands-on physical examination and procedures to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Opticians, Dispensing?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths →
⚠️ Top Risk Factors
Natural language processing for clinical documentation
AI clinical decision-support tools guiding treatment
Telehealth platforms automating triage and intake
Administrative automation of medical billing and coding
🛡️ Tasks Safe from Automation
Emergency triage requiring rapid human judgment
Hands-on physical examination and procedures
Complex clinical judgment in ambiguous presentations
Interdisciplinary care coordination
📊 vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
🔄 Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dentists, All Other Specialists | 13 | $226K | 75% |
| Occupational Therapists | 28 | $98K | 75% |
| Orthotists and Prosthetists | 28 | $78K | 75% |