June 1, 2023 — With a goal of being an employer of choice for health care providers, Walmart has announced it will invest in pay raises for more than 4,000 opticians, raising the position’s average wage to more than $22.50 an hour. Additionally, approximately 3,700 pharmacists will be given a pay raise, making the average salary for Walmart pharmacists more than $140,000.
 
The announcement comes after the company invested in raises for 36,000 pharmacy technicians last year.
 
Walmart also announced the launch of the Optician Development Program, a way for the company’s eyecare professionals to access higher-paying roles and more career opportunities by offering certification and licensure from the American Board of Opticianry and National Contact Lens Examiners. Offered through the Optical Training Institute, the program and any fees associated with certification or licensure is paid for by Walmart.
 
“Our opticians play a critical role in helping customers access vision care at Walmart,” a statement from Walmart reads. “This is all part of our ongoing effort to recognize the great work of our Health & Wellness associates while investing for the future.”