Ophthalmic Medical Technicians
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.Salary by State
| State Name | Employment | Annual Salary | Hourly Salary | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 990 | $33,790 | $16.24 | |
| Alaska | $56,890 | $27.35 | ||
| Arizona | 2,250 | $37,400 | $17.98 | |
| Arkansas | 500 | $34,420 | $16.55 | |
| California | 5,610 | $51,010 | $24.53 | |
| Colorado | 1,370 | $42,510 | $20.44 | |
| Connecticut | 280 | $43,870 | $21.09 | |
| Delaware | 190 | $41,330 | $19.87 | |
| District of Columbia | 120 | $42,060 | $20.22 | |
| Florida | 4,880 | $41,160 | $19.79 | |
| Georgia | 1,420 | $38,030 | $18.28 | |
| Hawaii | 370 | $40,710 | $19.57 | |
| Idaho | 190 | $35,970 | $17.29 | |
| Illinois | 3,120 | $43,900 | $21.11 | |
| Indiana | 1,400 | $39,200 | $18.85 | |
| Iowa | 690 | $43,780 | $21.05 | |
| Kansas | 770 | $36,920 | $17.75 | |
| Kentucky | 1,140 | $31,530 | $15.16 | |
| Louisiana | $35,380 | $17.01 | ||
| Maine | 430 | $41,690 | $20.04 | |
| Maryland | 920 | $43,330 | $20.83 | |
| Massachusetts | 950 | $46,700 | $22.45 | |
| Michigan | 2,100 | $41,920 | $20.15 | |
| Minnesota | 1,330 | $54,500 | $26.20 | |
| Mississippi | 710 | $34,360 | $16.52 | |
| Missouri | 880 | $32,870 | $15.80 | |
| Montana | 340 | $35,580 | $17.11 | |
| Nebraska | 520 | $38,710 | $18.61 | |
| Nevada | 540 | $42,320 | $20.35 | |
| New Hampshire | 430 | $42,650 | $20.51 | |
| New Jersey | 1,180 | $51,780 | $24.90 | |
| New Mexico | 70 | $36,030 | $17.32 | |
| New York | 5,310 | $43,370 | $20.85 | |
| North Carolina | 3,290 | $38,060 | $18.30 | |
| North Dakota | 270 | $39,510 | $19.00 | |
| Ohio | 3,230 | $38,900 | $18.70 | |
| Oklahoma | 1,120 | $35,800 | $17.21 | |
| Oregon | 780 | $48,220 | $23.18 | |
| Pennsylvania | 3,130 | $37,460 | $18.01 | |
| Rhode Island | 340 | $47,890 | $23.02 | |
| South Carolina | 650 | $37,860 | $18.20 | |
| South Dakota | 190 | $38,040 | $18.29 | |
| Tennessee | 1,450 | $40,200 | $19.33 | |
| Texas | 4,900 | $34,270 | $16.48 | |
| Utah | 210 | $35,420 | $17.03 | |
| Vermont | 210 | $43,550 | $20.94 | |
| Virginia | 1,460 | $36,580 | $17.59 | |
| Washington | 1,280 | $45,990 | $22.11 | |
| West Virginia | 310 | $34,000 | $16.35 | |
| Wisconsin | 1,490 | $43,810 | $21.06 | |
| Wyoming | 70 | $32,450 | $15.60 |
Education
The programs listed below are typically the education paths that can land you this kind of job.
A program that prepares individuals to assist optometrists in providing patient care, administering examinations and treatments, and performing office administrative functions. Includes instruction in applied anatomy and physiology of the eye, visual testing, patient communication, patient preparation, medications and administration, dispensing and fitting of eyeglasses and contact lenses, record-keeping, and office management skills.
A program that prepares individuals to assist ophthalmologists and optometrists in examining and treating patients with vision problems, vision disorders, and eye diseases. Includes instruction in taking patient histories, administering directed treatments and topical medications, diagnostic test procedures and equipment operation, anatomical and functional ocular measurements, patient care and instruction, ophthalmic and surgical equipment maintenance, safety and sterilization procedures, and office administrative procedures.
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of ophthalmologists, to analyze, evaluate, and treat specific disorders of vision, eye movement, and eye alignment in children and adults. Includes instruction in eye anatomy, neuroanatomy, physiology, pharmacology, ophthalmic optics, diagnostic testing and measurement, orthoptic treatment therapy, systemic ocular diseases and disorders, principles of surgery, examination techniques, patient education, child psychology and development, learning disabilities, medical writing, and record-keeping.
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$41,120 per yearNational average salaryVery HighJob growth rate
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Postsecondary nondegree awardTypical education requirement
Educational Attainment
The following chart shows the highest education level completed by those working as ophthalmic medical technicians.
- Less than high school 9%
- High school graduate 39%
- College dropout 27%
- Associate’s degree 14%
- Bachelor’s degree 10%
- Master’s degree 1%
- Doctorate degree 0%
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