How to become ophthalmic medical technicianseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter
Median annual pay
$45,570
25th–75th pct. $38,170–$51,390
Top pay (est.)
$80,500
Top 10% $61,940
Pay in 5 years
$54,100est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$64,300est.
$55,300–$74,600
Outlook score
67/100
★★★☆☆ Good
AI replacement risk
38%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
+21.4%
12K openings / yr
How to become ophthalmic medical technicians
Typical education
Postsecondary nondegree award
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
None
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 Medical Technicians
Key skills
O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).
Key knowledge areas
What the work involves
Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeAssisting and Caring for OthersEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsProcessing InformationDocumenting/Recording InformationGetting Information
Important abilities
Oral ComprehensionNear VisionOral ExpressionWritten ComprehensionProblem SensitivityArm-Hand Steadiness
Education of workers
Training before entry
Related work experience
Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)
Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)
Career path and how to earn more as ophthalmic medical 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.