How much does an Augenoptiker earn?

Augenoptiker (dispensing opticians) advise customers on vision aids, carry out vision tests and refraction, and fit and produce glasses and contact lenses precisely. Dual vocational training combines the specialist store, workshop and vocational school; precision, counselling skills and product knowledge are central. Gross pay depends on region, store structure, sales share, specialisation and experience. As a guide, qualified Augenoptiker in Germany in 2026 often earn about €2,800–€3,400 gross per month; in training around €900–€1,200 is typical.

Comic illustration of an Augenoptiker with glasses, measuring device and contact lenses at the consultation desk in a specialist store
Created with AI assistance and editorially reviewed

Salary by region (gross/month)

Region
Training (gross/month)
Qualified (gross/month)
Baden-Württemberg
880–1.150 €
3.100–3.700 €
Bavaria
860–1.120 €
3.050–3.600 €
Berlin
800–1.050 €
2.750–3.350 €
Brandenburg
750–980 €
2.450–2.980 €
Bremen
790–1.040 €
2.700–3.280 €
Hamburg
840–1.100 €
2.980–3.580 €
Hesse
870–1.140 €
3.020–3.620 €
Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
780–1.050 €
2.480–3.050 €
Lower Saxony
800–1.060 €
2.720–3.300 €
North Rhine-Westphalia
900–1.150 €
2.900–3.500 €
Rhineland-Palatinate
850–1.120 €
2.780–3.380 €
Saarland
830–1.080 €
2.700–3.280 €
Saxony
760–1.000 €
2.500–3.050 €
Saxony-Anhalt
740–970 €
2.420–2.960 €
Schleswig-Holstein
790–1.040 €
2.680–3.250 €
Thuringia
750–990 €
2.460–3.020 €
Germany (average)
810–1.070 €
2.750–3.320 €

Guide figures as of 2026. The apprenticeship column refers to dual training as Augenoptiker; qualified means practising Augenoptiker in a specialist store or branch. Actual pay depends on employer, region, experience, specialisation (e.g. contact lenses, low vision), sales commission and working-time model and is not a guarantee.

Further training options

Option
Duration
Salary impact
Contact lens specialisation
Weeks to months
often €3,000–€3,650
Low vision / visual impairment care
Weeks to months
often €3,050–€3,750
Sports and specialist optics
Weeks to months
often €2,950–€3,600
Optical store / branch management
Experience plus seminars (months)
often €3,300–€4,200
Master craftsperson in ophthalmic optics
approx. 1–2 years
often €3,700–€5,000
Business administrator (HwO) / ophthalmic optics or optometry degree
approx. 1–3 years
often €3,900–€5,400

Job and everyday work

Augenoptiker work mainly in optical specialist stores and branches: they assess vision, advise on lenses and frames, fit contact lenses and produce vision aids in the workshop. Day-to-day work combines measurement accuracy with sales and service skills and long-term customer care.

  • Carry out vision tests and refraction; explain visual needs and correction options clearly.
  • Advise on and fit spectacle lenses and frames; select and fit contact lenses and manage follow-up checks.
  • Edge, assemble, adjust and repair vision aids in the workshop; document quality checks.
  • Advise customers on care, use and everyday life with glasses or contact lenses; organise follow-up and service.
  • Coordinate with ophthalmologists, health insurers and suppliers; keep documentation, billing and ordering carefully.
  • Conduct sales talks, support store workflows and uphold hygiene standards at the measuring station and in the workshop.

Show Augenoptiker jobs in the Eifel (7)