- Salary statistics
- Optometry Assistant
Optometry Assistant
33 936 - 32 693 kr / month
Försäljning & inköp
Salary progression Optometry Assistant
What does an optometry assistant do? – Tasks and work environment
An optometry assistant works closely with optometrists and assists with both administrative and practical tasks in retail environments such as optical chains or eye clinics. Common tasks include assisting during eye examinations, helping customers choose glasses and contact lenses, performing simple repairs, and managing bookings and customer service. The role often requires flexibility, as the workday can vary between customer meetings, stock handling, and collaboration with optometrists. The work environment is generally bright, clean, and customer-focused, with a social and service-oriented approach.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, the salary for optometry assistants has shown a steady and clear upward trend. In 2022, the average salary was 28,200 SEK per month, increasing to 30 100 SEK in 2023. For 2024, the average salary has risen further to 32 693 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 16% during the period. This salary development can be linked to increased demand for optometry services, technological advances in the industry, and a greater focus on customer service and specialized knowledge. More optical chains are seeking qualified staff, which can help push up salary levels. At the same time, the job market for optometry assistants has broadened somewhat, further benefiting salary growth.
Optometry assistant salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 32 693 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data not available
- Hourly wage: 196 SEK
- Gender differences: Data not available
- Regional differences: Data not available
Education and qualifications
To work as an optometry assistant, a high school diploma is usually required, preferably with a focus on healthcare, commerce, or natural sciences, along with specific courses or internal training in optics. Many employers offer introductory programs or internships to provide new employees with the right skills. Experience in service professions and an interest in optics and technology are advantageous.
- High school education: Healthcare, commerce, or natural sciences recommended
- Internal training: Common in larger optical chains
- Internship: Often part of the introduction
- Service experience: Meritorious for employment
- Technical understanding: Facilitates work with optical instruments
Many optometry assistants quickly build a broad network within the optical industry thanks to close collaboration with both optometrists and suppliers. This often opens doors to internal career paths or specialization in areas such as contact lenses or visual aids.
Common benefits and compensations
Optometry assistants are often offered benefits such as employee discounts on glasses and contact lenses, wellness allowances, pension contributions, and sometimes bonus programs linked to sales. Access to training and internal courses is also common, along with options for reduced working hours or flexible schedules depending on the workplace.
Competition and challenges
The competition for positions as an optometry assistant varies depending on region and employer. Larger cities often have more vacancies but also more applicants. Challenges in the profession primarily involve meeting high standards of service and technical accuracy, especially in an industry where product offerings and technical aids evolve rapidly. Staying updated on new products and working methods is crucial for success. Since the role sometimes involves handling stressful situations and multitasking, good organizational skills and patience are necessary.
Tips for those who want to become an optometry assistant
To succeed as an optometry assistant, it is helpful to be meticulous and have a genuine interest in people. Good service skills facilitate customer interactions and help meet their needs appropriately. Being flexible and able to quickly adapt to different tasks is important, as the workday is often varied. Technical curiosity is also valuable, as the job frequently involves handling optical instruments and digital systems. Resilience under stress is another key trait, especially during busy periods. Showing engagement and a willingness to learn new things is appreciated by employers, as is the ability to collaborate and contribute to a positive work environment.
Key facts about the optometry assistant profession
- Educational level: High school diploma with internal training
- Work environment: Retail or clinic, customer-facing and technology-oriented
- Demand: 550 job openings within the profession
- Employment types: Full-time, part-time, and hourly positions available
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as an optometry assistant, there are opportunities to advance to more specialized roles, such as store manager, training coordinator, or contact lens advisor. Others choose to further their education to become licensed optometrists or broaden their skills in sales and customer counseling. According to the Employment Service, no specific forecast is made for optometry assistants due to limited data, but the fact that there are 550 job openings indicates continued demand. Developments in the optical industry, including digitalization and new aids, may create additional career opportunities for those wishing to grow within the profession.
Common questions about the optometry assistant profession
- What does an optometry assistant earn?
- The average salary is 32 693 SEK per month according to the latest statistics. - What education is required to become an optometry assistant?
- High school education and internal training with the employer are recommended. - Are there many job opportunities as an optometry assistant?
- Currently, there are approximately 550 job openings within the profession. - What does the work environment look like?
- The work environment is usually retail or clinic-based, focusing on customer service and technology. - What qualities are important for the profession?
- Accuracy, a service mindset, flexibility, and technical interest are important qualities. - What are the future prospects?
- The outlook is uncertain, but demand for optometry assistants remains good.
Salary distributed by age and sector
About the data
All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.
All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.
Profession Optometry Assistant has the SSYK code 5224, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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