How much does a ophthalmic laboratory technician make?
The median ophthalmic laboratory technician in the United States earns $38,420 per year, about $18.47 an hour. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all ophthalmic laboratory technicians earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024. SOC code 51-9083.
Ophthalmic laboratory technician salary range
Pay for ophthalmic laboratory technicians spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $31,250 a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than $55,480. The average (mean) wage of $41,760 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $31,250 | $15.02 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | $35,580 | $17.11 | |
| Median (50th) | $38,420 | $18.47 | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | $45,410 | $21.83 | |
| 90th percentile | $55,480 | $26.67 | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for ophthalmic laboratory technicians (SOC 51-9083), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
Ophthalmic laboratory technician salary by state
Where you work changes the paycheck. Ophthalmic laboratory technicians earn the most in Connecticut at $60,700 a year, and the least in Mississippi at $28,930. The table below lists every state with published data, ranked by median annual salary.
| State | Median annual | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | $60,700 | 200 |
| Idaho | $50,880 | 60 |
| California | $49,430 | 1,470 |
| Washington | $47,860 | 280 |
| Michigan | $47,280 | 260 |
| Colorado | $46,320 | 340 |
| Maryland | $45,620 | 330 |
| Oregon | $45,580 | 220 |
| New Hampshire | $44,450 | 140 |
| Wisconsin | $44,370 | 270 |
| Georgia | $44,000 | 1,040 |
| Arizona | $43,090 | 240 |
| Massachusetts | $42,770 | N/A |
| Ohio | $42,760 | 220 |
| Nebraska | $40,670 | N/A |
| Minnesota | $40,500 | 1,020 |
| Montana | $38,690 | 70 |
| Nevada | $38,690 | 270 |
| South Carolina | $38,570 | 140 |
| Indiana | $38,280 | 390 |
| Arkansas | $38,090 | 200 |
| Virginia | $38,080 | 410 |
| Pennsylvania | $37,940 | 450 |
| Missouri | $37,480 | 350 |
| Texas | $37,350 | 3,650 |
| New Mexico | $37,180 | 140 |
| Illinois | $37,170 | 560 |
| New York | $37,030 | 1,420 |
| Tennessee | $36,610 | 200 |
| Florida | $36,450 | 1,770 |
| Louisiana | $36,360 | 340 |
| North Carolina | $36,120 | 420 |
| Oklahoma | $35,940 | 140 |
| Kentucky | $35,500 | 460 |
| Alabama | $34,820 | 180 |
| Kansas | $34,700 | N/A |
| New Jersey | $34,680 | N/A |
| Iowa | $33,770 | 190 |
| Mississippi | $28,930 | 120 |
State median wages for ophthalmic laboratory technicians (SOC 51-9083), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS state files, May 2024. States where the BLS does not publish a median are not shown.
Job outlook for ophthalmic laboratory technicians
The BLS projects employment of ophthalmic laboratory technicians to grow 2.2% from 2025 to 2035. That is about as fast as the 3.5% average for all occupations. That works out to roughly 18,600 jobs in 2025 moving toward 19,000 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 2,200 openings a year for ophthalmic laboratory technicians. Most come from the need to replace workers who move to other jobs or leave the workforce, on top of any new positions from growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become an ophthalmic laboratory technician
The typical entry-level education for ophthalmic laboratory technicians is a high school diploma or equivalent, according to the BLS. New hires typically complete moderate-term on-the-job training to reach full competency.
A four-year college degree is usually not required to start, which makes this one of the jobs you can enter without a bachelor's degree. See more high paying jobs without a degree .
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much an ophthalmic laboratory technician earns
Industry, shift, certifications, and region drive pay, along with overtime. Skilled operators and workers in unionized plants sit near the top of the range.
Location is one of the clearest factors. The gap between the top paying state (Connecticut, $60,700) and the lowest (Mississippi, $28,930) shows how much geography alone can move the number, before experience or specialization.
About 18,740 people work as ophthalmic laboratory technicians in the United States. At $38,420 a year, the job pays below the $49,500 median for all U.S. jobs.
Ophthalmic laboratory technician salary FAQ
How much does an ophthalmic laboratory technician make an hour?
The median hourly wage for an ophthalmic laboratory technician is $18.47. The middle half of ophthalmic laboratory technicians earn between $17.11 and $21.83 per hour.
What is the highest ophthalmic laboratory technician salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of ophthalmic laboratory technicians earn more than $55,480 per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does an ophthalmic laboratory technician make a year?
The median annual salary for an ophthalmic laboratory technician is $38,420. The average (mean) wage of $41,760 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
Is being an ophthalmic laboratory technician a well paid job?
At $38,420 a year, an ophthalmic laboratory technician earns below the $49,500 median for all U.S. jobs. About 18,740 people work as ophthalmic laboratory technicians in the United States.
Which state pays ophthalmic laboratory technicians the most?
Connecticut has the highest median salary for ophthalmic laboratory technicians at $60,700 a year. Idaho ($50,880) and California ($49,430) follow. State medians come from the BLS OEWS state files, May 2024.
Is being an ophthalmic laboratory technician a good career?
Employment of ophthalmic laboratory technicians is projected to grow 2.2% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the 3.5% average for all occupations. The BLS projects about 2,200 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become an ophthalmic laboratory technician?
No. The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for ophthalmic laboratory technicians as a high school diploma or equivalent, so a four-year degree is usually not required to start.
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