Ophthalmic Medical Technician Salary Guide 2025: $45,570 Median, 20% Growth
Ophthalmic medical technicians earned a median salary of $45,570 in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average wage is $47,060, or about $22 an hour. Most technicians earn between $35,700 and $61,940, with the top 10 percent exceeding that range.
How much Ophthalmic Medical Technicians earn
The national median for ophthalmic medical technicians is $45,570 as of May 2024. That's roughly $22 per hour at the mean wage. The typical range runs from $35,700 at the 10th percentile to $61,940 at the 90th percentile. Experience, location, and certification drive pay higher or lower within that band.
Entry-level technicians often start near the bottom of the range. Those with several years of experience or specialized skills (e.g., assisting with surgeries or advanced diagnostic testing) can push into the top tier.
Pay by state
Where you work matters a lot. The highest-paying state is Minnesota, where ophthalmic medical technicians earn an average of $63,080. Hawaii follows at $58,240, then Wisconsin ($56,420), California ($54,490), and the District of Columbia ($50,790).
On the lower end, Mississippi averages $36,220, Utah $35,950, and Wyoming $35,740. Cost of living plays a role, but the spread — from $35,740 to $63,080 — shows a wide geographic gap.
How to become Ophthalmic Medical Technician
Most ophthalmic medical technicians learn through a combination of on-the-job training and formal education. Employers prefer candidates with a postsecondary certificate or an associate degree in ophthalmic technology. Programs are offered at community colleges, technical schools, and some universities. Typical courses cover anatomy, optics, pharmacology, and clinical procedures like refractometry and tonometry.
Certification is not always required but strongly boosts hiring odds. The Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) offers the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) credential, which requires passing an exam. After gaining experience, you can advance to Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) or Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT).
- Complete a 1-year certificate or 2-year associate degree program in ophthalmic technology.
- Or start with an associate degree in a related field and train on the job.
- Take the JCAHPO COA exam to earn entry-level certification.
- Gain supervised clinical experience (often 12–24 months) to upgrade to higher credentials.
Job outlook
Employment for ophthalmic medical technicians is projected to grow 19.8 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 12,500 openings per year, mainly from growth and replacement of workers who retire or leave the field.
The aging U.S. population continues to drive demand for eye care — cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy all require regular testing. More clinics and ophthalmology practices are hiring technicians to handle routine work, freeing up doctors for complex cases.
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting salary for an ophthalmic medical technician?
Entry-level technicians earn around $35,700 per year, the 10th percentile nationwide. Pay varies by location and employer.
How long does it take to become an ophthalmic medical technician?
A certificate program takes about 1 year; an associate degree takes 2 years. Some employers also train on the job for 3 to 6 months.
Which state pays ophthalmic medical technicians the most?
Minnesota is the top-paying state with an average salary of $63,080. Hawaii, Wisconsin, California, and the District of Columbia also pay above the national average.
Is ophthalmic medical technician a good career?
Yes — strong job growth (19.8% through 2034), solid median pay over $45,000, and a clear path to advancement through certification make it a stable career in healthcare.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Ophthalmic Medical Technicians data.