Shigoto Zukan
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How to become ophthalmic laboratory technicianseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

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

How to become ophthalmic laboratory technicians

Typical education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

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)

Career path and how to earn more as ophthalmic laboratory technicians

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

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.