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.
What does a Ophthalmic Medical Technologists do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$37,290
10th percentile
Early Career
$40,740
25th percentile
Median
$48,790
50th percentile
Experienced
$62,280
75th percentile
Top Earners
$81,290
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$37,290
25th
$40,740
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$48,790
Mean: $56,370
75th
$62,280
90th
$81,290
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $44,000 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $40,740 and $62,280
- •Salary spread is 44.1% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 174,060 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:178,800
Top Industries
Ambulatory Health Care Services51.6%
Hospitals32.2%
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals30.2%
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
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Ophthalmic Medical Technologists professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
24,540 jobs$58,3101.20x
Texas
15,220 jobs$47,4100.97x
Florida
10,660 jobs$43,9800.96x
Pennsylvania
9,970 jobs$45,7001.47x
New York
8,660 jobs$57,6900.80x
Ohio
8,420 jobs$46,7301.35x
North Carolina
6,860 jobs$45,1001.24x
New Jersey
5,650 jobs$56,1001.18x
Missouri
5,560 jobs$41,8601.69x
Michigan
5,500 jobs$47,5501.11x
Georgia
5,280 jobs$51,0200.96x
Illinois
5,150 jobs$49,5700.75x
Massachusetts
4,420 jobs$58,2101.08x
Wisconsin
4,410 jobs$49,3701.34x
South Carolina
4,230 jobs$40,4201.65x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Active Listening
100%
#2
Service Orientation
94%
#3
Social Perceptiveness
86%
#4
Speaking
80%
#5
Reading Comprehension
74%
#6
Coordination
66%
#7
Critical Thinking
60%
#8
Persuasion
54%
#9
Time Management
46%
#10
Complex Problem Solving
40%
Skills Overview
Active Listening
advanced5.0
100%
Service Orientation
advanced4.7
94%
Social Perceptiveness
intermediate4.3
86%
Speaking
intermediate4.0
80%
Reading Comprehension
basic3.7
74%
Coordination
intermediate3.3
66%
Critical Thinking
intermediate3.0
60%
Persuasion
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Active Listening
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Service Orientation
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Social Perceptiveness
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Coordination
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Persuasion
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Time Management
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance40%
abilities
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Customer Service Representatives82%
5 shared skills
First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers82%
5 shared skills
Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks82%
5 shared skills
Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan82%
5 shared skills
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners82%
5 shared skills
Public Safety Telecommunicators82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Service Orientation
- ✓Social Perceptiveness
- ✓Speaking
Learn on the Job:
- →Coordination
- →Persuasion
- →Critical Thinking
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Service Orientation
- ✓Social Perceptiveness
- ✓Speaking
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Service Orientation
- ★Social Perceptiveness
- ★Speaking
- ★Reading Comprehension
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Ophthalmic Medical Technologists
Technology Intensity
Low
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires basic digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Email and internet usageBasic software navigationFile management
Technology Stack
Technology stack information is being compiled for this career.
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏗️
Location
Varies
💪
Physical Demand
LOW
👥
Team Orientation
Varies
🤝
Customer Interaction
NONE
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in varies environments?
- •Can you meet low physical demands?
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Ophthalmic Medical Technologists
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Ophthalmic Medical Technologists professionals typically have a RIC Holland code and highly value achievement
RRealistic
IInvestigative
CConventional
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Ophthalmic Medical Technologists
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.70
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.65
Cooperation
CriticalCooperation
Importance Level4.60
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.55
Concern for Others
CriticalConcern for Others
Importance Level4.50
Self-Control
Very ImportantSelf-Control
Importance Level4.35
Complete Work Styles Profile
Dependability
4.7
Attention to Detail
4.7
Cooperation
4.6
Integrity
4.5
Concern for Others
4.5
Self-Control
4.3
Stress Tolerance
4.2
Initiative
4.2
Social Orientation
4.0
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.0
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
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