Shigoto Zukan
日本語

Will AI replace ophthalmic laboratory technicians?AI replacement risk 56% and how the work is changing

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$39,460
25th–75th pct. $36,470–$47,010
Top pay (est.)
$74,600
Top 10% $57,380
Pay in 5 years
$45,100est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$51,700est.
$44,400–$60,000
Outlook score
41/100
★★☆☆☆ Below average
AI replacement risk
56%
Moderate
Job growth (10 yr)
+2.2%
2,200 openings / yr

Will AI replace Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians? AI replacement risk

56%
Moderate
Ranked #600 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians

Key skills

Quality Control Analysis
3.4
Operation and Control
3.1
Monitoring
2.9
Active Listening
2.9
Reading Comprehension
2.9
Critical Thinking
2.9
Operations Monitoring
2.9
Time Management
2.8

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Production and Processing
4.1
Mathematics
3.7
Computers and Electronics
3.5
Mechanical
3.5
Customer and Personal Service
2.8
Education and Training
2.5
Engineering and Technology
2.5
English Language
2.4

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsGetting Information

Important abilities

Near VisionControl PrecisionArm-Hand SteadinessFinger DexterityOral ComprehensionManual Dexterity

Education of workers

High school diploma
56%
Some college
15%
Post-secondary certificate
9%
Associate's degree
7%
Less than high school
5%
Bachelor's degree
4%
Master's degree
4%
Professional degree
1%

Training before entry

Up to 1 month
31%
6–12 months
21%
3–6 months
19%
1–3 months
18%
None / short demo
5%
1–2 years
5%

Related work experience

1–2 years
27%
6–12 months
26%
None
23%
3–6 months
18%
2–4 years
4%
4–6 years
2%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to enter (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.