Home > Salary > South Africa > Optician
An optician is a healthcare professional who specializes in the fitting and dispensing of eyeglasses and contact lenses. They work closely with optometrists and ophthalmologists to ensure that patients' vision needs are met. Opticians use prescriptions provided by eye doctors to help patients select and fit appropriate eyewear, taking into consideration factors such as lens type, frame style, and individual preferences. They also perform measurements to ensure proper alignment and fit of glasses or contact lenses. Additionally, opticians may provide advice on lens care and maintenance, as well as adjustments or repairs for existing eyewear.
Estimated Yearly Salary: 88,412 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 7,368 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,700 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 43 ZAR per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Estimated Monthly Salary: 7,143 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,648 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 41 ZAR per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-08
Estimated Yearly Salary: 4,444 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 370 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 85 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 2 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
3 %
Data confidence is - relatively high
Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
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Estimated Yearly Salary: 88,412 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 7,368 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,700 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 43 ZAR per hour
By working as Optician a person can save up to 99 USD per month or 1,190 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in South Africa, see costs of living in South Africa.
Estimated Yearly Salary for Optician
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Data as of 2025
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Optician salary in South Africa
Average Yearly Salary of Optician in South Africa is approximately 88,412 ZAR (4,444 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.
What does Optician do?

Skills: optician, eyewear, vision care, optical industry, prescription glasses, contact lenses
Job industry: Healthcare
Job industry: Healthcare
How much does Optician make?
Salary details
How much does Optician make?Estimated Yearly Salary: 88,412 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 7,368 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,700 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 43 ZAR per hour
Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 85,720 ZAREstimated Monthly Salary: 7,143 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,648 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 41 ZAR per hour
Optician estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 4,444 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 370 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 85 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 2 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
About these results
Data confidence is - relatively high Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here
Compare salary to other countries
Please type in your occupation and select desired country to see latest trends in salaries.
Country:
Salary comparison to National average
South Africa is a diverse and vibrant country located at the southernmost tip of the African continent. It has a population of approximately 59 million people and covers an area of around 1.2 million square kilometers. The country is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and abundant wildlife.
Estimated national average yearly salary is 126,956 ZAR (6,780 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Optician job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Optician in South Africa earns on average:
0.7 times the average salary (or 70% of average salary).
Estimated national average yearly salary is 126,956 ZAR (6,780 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Optician job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Optician in South Africa earns on average:
0.7 times the average salary (or 70% of average salary).
Is Optician a well paid job?
No, our data shows that Optician is typically not a well-paid job. The salary varies based on experience. Meaning that even though Optician might be a low paying job, with experience the salary might increase to satisfactory levels.What is considered a high salary for Optician?
High salary for Optician would be somewhere between 97,253 ZAR and 128,197 ZAR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as Optician in South Africa?
Living in South Africa the approximate monthly expenses are: 271 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.Estimated Yearly Salary: 88,412 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 7,368 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,700 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 43 ZAR per hour
By working as Optician a person can save up to 99 USD per month or 1,190 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in South Africa, see costs of living in South Africa.
Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries
Country's neighbours are: Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini, Lesotho. To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).Estimated Yearly Salary for Optician
Salary increase per years of experience
Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following- 0 years (beginner) equals base salary
- 1 to 5 years of experience yields
- 6 to 10 years of experience yields
- 11 to 15 years of experience yields
- 16 to 25 years of experience yields
- more than 25 years of experience yields
Top 10 highest salaries in South Africa
(1,412,867 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
2. Cardiologist
(1,176,011 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
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(1,102,268 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
5. Neurosurgeon
(1,100,784 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(1,077,960 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(1,073,792 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(1,073,439 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
9. Oncologist
(1,071,922 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
10. Urologist
(1,071,632 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Random salary:
Mascot (61,244 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Tax technician (113,303 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Driving instructor (88,664 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
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Manufacturing team leader (92,670 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
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The salary estimates on optisalary.com are meant for informational use exclusively.
The salary estimates on optisalary.com are meant for reference use only. We compile salary data from multiple providers, but cannot guarantee absolute precision. Users should independently verify salaries before making financial decisions. Salary fluctuations occur due to company policies, negotiation skills, and experience levels. We disclaim any guarantee regarding the validity of the listed salary data. By using this site, you agree that salary data is not definitive.
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