Cut, grind, and polish eyeglasses, contact lenses, or other precision optical elements. Assemble and mount lenses into frames or process other optical elements. Includes precision lens polishers or grinders, centerer-edgers, and lens mounters.
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians
SOC: 51-9083 O*NET: 51-9083.00
Median Salary
$38,420
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 2.3%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
2.4
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
Cut, grind, and polish eyeglasses, contact lenses, or other precision optical elements. Assemble and mount lenses into frames or process other optical elements. Includes precision lens polishers or grinders, centerer-edgers, and lens mounters.
Overview
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Distribution by Percentile
Understanding where you might fall in the salary range based on experience and location.
10th
$23,052
25th
$30,736
50th (Median)
$38,420
75th
$46,104
90th
$57,630
Percentile Explained: If you're in the 75th percentile, you earn more than 75% of workers in this occupation. Entry-level positions typically fall in the 10th-25th percentile range, while experienced professionals often reach the 75th-90th percentile.
Typical Benefits Package
Health & Wellness
- ✓Health Insurance
- ✓Dental Insurance
- ✓Vision Insurance
- ✓Mental Health Support
- ✓Wellness Programs
Financial Benefits
- ✓401(k) Retirement Plan
- ✓Employer Match (typically 3-6%)
- ✓Profit Sharing
- ✓Stock Options
- ✓Performance Bonuses
Work-Life Balance
- ✓Paid Time Off (15-25 days)
- ✓Paid Sick Leave
- ✓Flexible Work Arrangements
- ✓Remote Work Options
- ✓Parental Leave
Professional Development
- ✓Tuition Reimbursement
- ✓Professional Certifications
- ✓Conference Attendance
- ✓Training Programs
- ✓Mentorship Opportunities
Note: Benefits vary widely by employer, company size, and location. Large corporations and tech companies often offer more comprehensive packages, while small businesses may offer fewer benefits but more flexibility. Always review the complete compensation package, not just base salary.
Job Market Intelligence
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:19,600
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+2.3%
Annual Openings:2,400
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)19,600
Current
2034 (Projected)20,000
+2.3%
+500
Employment Change
+2.3%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
Top Skills
✓
Operation and Control
Operation and Control
✓
Operations Monitoring
Operations Monitoring
✓
Quality Control Analysis
Quality Control Analysis
✓
Time Management
Time Management
✓
Judgment and Decision Making
Judgment and Decision Making
✓
Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension
✓
Monitoring
Monitoring
✓
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking
Key Knowledge Areas
✓
Production and Processing
✓
Mechanical
✓
Mathematics
✓
Customer and Personal Service
✓
Administration and Management
Education & Training
Education Required
High school diploma or equivalent
Experience Required
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Job Training
Training of a few months to a year