Assist ophthalmologists by performing ophthalmic clinical functions and ophthalmic photography. Provide instruction and supervision to other ophthalmic personnel. Assist with minor surgical procedures, applying aseptic techniques and preparing instruments. May perform eye exams, administer eye medications, and instruct patients in care and use of corrective lenses.
Ophthalmic Medical Technologists
SOC: 29-2099 O*NET: 29-2099.05
Median Salary
$48,790
per year
Job Growth
📈 5.2%
Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
13.6
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
Assist ophthalmologists by performing ophthalmic clinical functions and ophthalmic photography. Provide instruction and supervision to other ophthalmic personnel. Assist with minor surgical procedures, applying aseptic techniques and preparing instruments. May perform eye exams, administer eye medications, and instruct patients in care and use of corrective lenses.
Overview
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Distribution by Percentile
Understanding where you might fall in the salary range based on experience and location.
10th
$29,274
25th
$39,032
50th (Median)
$48,790
75th
$58,548
90th
$73,185
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:178,800
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+5.2%
Annual Openings:13,600
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)178,800
Current
2034 (Projected)188,100
+5.2%
+9,300
Employment Change
+5.2%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
Top Skills
✓
Speaking
Speaking
✓
Active Listening
Active Listening
✓
Social Perceptiveness
Social Perceptiveness
✓
Service Orientation
Service Orientation
✓
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking
✓
Coordination
Coordination
✓
Instructing
Instructing
✓
Writing
Writing
✓
Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension
✓
Learning Strategies
Learning Strategies
Key Knowledge Areas
✓
Customer and Personal Service
✓
Medicine and Dentistry
✓
English Language
✓
Education and Training
✓
Mathematics
✓
Administrative
Education & Training
Education Required
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Experience Required
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Job Training
Training of more than one year