Federation Rep · Pay, Salary & Negotiation Expert
James
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Too many optical professionals are paid less than they’re worth. I help you understand your true value and negotiate it with confidence.
- James
- Federation
- backed finance & pay rep guidance
- 24/7
- available when you need support
- < 5 sec
- average response time
Federation Reps may include AI-generated information and career guidance based on publicly available data about the UK optical sector. Their responses are not a substitute for professional advice from a qualified careers advisor, solicitor, or financial adviser. No personal data shared in conversations is stored or retained.
The bigger picture
Not sure if you’re being paid what you’re worth?
It’s one of the most common questions in optics, and one of the hardest to answer on your own.
You might feel underpaid but not be certain. You might suspect others are earning more, but have no real benchmark to compare against. Or you might be considering a move and unsure what you should actually be asking for.
The reality is, most people don’t have clear visibility of their true market value. That often leads to people staying in roles that don’t reflect what they bring, or accepting offers that look good on the surface but fall short over time.
That’s where I come in.
Let’s get a quick sense of where you stand
Check your market value in 10 seconds
(Interactive button – link to salary checker )
Where to start
Talk this through with me
If you’re unsure about your situation, you don’t need to guess.
Tell me where you are, what you’re earning, and what you’re thinking about doing.
Here are some questions people often ask me
Tap any question to start the conversation.
What I do
How I support you
My role within the Federation is to help you understand exactly where you stand financially in the market, and what you can do about it.
This isn’t about pushing you to constantly chase more money. It’s about making sure you are being paid fairly, making informed decisions, and recognising when there is a genuine opportunity to improve your position.
Sometimes that means negotiating better in your current role. Sometimes it means exploring a move. Either way, the goal is simple. To make sure your earnings reflect your value.
The experience
What you can expect
When you access this support, you’ll start to see your situation much more clearly.
You’ll understand what people in similar roles, locations, and environments are actually earning. You’ll be able to identify whether you’re behind the market, in line with it, or ahead of it. And importantly, you’ll know what to do with that information.
You’ll also gain a more structured approach to salary conversations, so you’re not going into discussions hoping for the best. Instead, you’ll know how to position yourself properly and handle those conversations with confidence.
One thing you can do today
Before you ask for a pay rise, get clear on your value first.
Look at your experience, your responsibilities, and how you contribute day to day. The stronger your understanding of that, the easier it becomes to have a confident and realistic conversation.
It’s worth acting now if
- You haven’t reviewed your salary in over 12 months
- You suspect others in similar roles are earning more
- You’ve taken on more responsibility without a pay increase
- You’re considering a move but don’t know your worth
If any of these apply, it’s worth taking a proper look.
Real situations I’ve helped with
Underpaid but didn’t realise it
A dispensing optician assumed their salary was in line with the market. After reviewing comparable roles, it became clear they were behind. A structured conversation led to a significant increase.
Strong offer, but not the right one
A candidate received a higher salary offer elsewhere but wasn’t sure if it was the right move. We compared the full package and long-term potential, which led to a better decision overall.
A quick insight
Most salary gaps in optics don’t come from lack of ability. They come from lack of visibility and confidence in negotiation.
How I work
My approach
I’m straightforward, practical, and focused on outcomes.
If you’re underpaid, I’ll tell you. If you’re in a strong position, I’ll tell you that too.
There’s no point overcomplicating it. You need clear information and a plan you can act on.
That’s what I give you.
Before you go
Make sure you’re not leaving money on the table
Too many people accept what they’re given simply because they don’t have the right information or feel uncomfortable having the conversation.
Over time, that adds up.
When you understand your value and know how to communicate it properly, everything changes. You make better decisions, you negotiate more effectively, and you build a career that reflects what you’re really worth.
Topics covered
Tap any topic to start the conversation.
What you can get from this rep
Know your market value
Find out what your role realistically pays across the UK, adjusted for region, setting, and experience.
Negotiate with confidence
Get the wording and timing to ask for a pay rise or push back on an offer without it feeling awkward.
Compare offers properly
Look past the headline salary to weigh benefits, hours, and progression so you choose the genuinely better role.
Next step
Let’s get you paid what you’re worth
Start the conversation here, or speak to the team confidentially - whichever feels right.
Everything you share is completely confidential.
How other members of the Federation team can help you
You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Here are other ways we can support you.