What Ophthalmic Medical Technicians do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Ophthalmic Medical Technicians this way: "Assist ophthalmologists by performing ophthalmic clinical functions. May administer eye exams, administer eye medications, and instruct the patient in care and use of corrective lenses."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Administer topical ophthalmic or oral medications"; "Assess refractive conditions of eyes, using retinoscopes"; "Assist patients to insert or remove contact lenses"; "Call patients to inquire about their post-operative status or recovery"; "Clean or sterilize ophthalmic or surgical instruments".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is postsecondary nondegree award.
Job outlook for Ophthalmic Medical Technicians
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 72,500 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 88,000 in 2035, an increase of 15,500 jobs (+21.4%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 11,800 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 16.3% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $45,570, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Ophthalmic Medical Technicians earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $53,172 in New Jersey to $53,216 in New York, a gap of $44 (1.00 times). 2 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $45,570 and 0 average at or below it.
New York employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 7,450, which is 50.6% of the 14,720 counted across them. New Jersey follows with 7,270.
Highest-paying states
New York ($53,216) and New Jersey ($53,172) lead the ranking, while New Jersey ($53,172) and New York ($53,216) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Occupations related to Ophthalmic Medical Technicians
Surgical Technologists, Pharmacy Technicians and Psychiatric Technicians belong to the same detailed SOC group. Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (29-2000) include Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, Radiologic Technologists and Technicians, Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses and Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians.
Frequently asked questions about Ophthalmic Medical Technicians
How much do Ophthalmic Medical Technicians earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $45,570. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $53,172 to $53,216.
Which state pays Ophthalmic Medical Technicians the most?
New York, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $53,216. New Jersey is next at $53,172.
Is Ophthalmic Medical Technicians a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 21.4% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 11,800 openings a year.
What education do Ophthalmic Medical Technicians need?
The typical entry-level education is postsecondary nondegree award, according to BLS.