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
$50,290
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
$38,180
10th percentile
Early Career
$44,170
25th percentile
Median
$50,290
50th percentile
Experienced
$64,340
75th percentile
Top Earners
$85,270
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$38,180
25th
$44,170
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$50,290
Mean: $58,710
75th
$64,340
90th
$85,270
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $47,090 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $44,170 and $64,340
- •Salary spread is 40.1% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 182,610 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 Services53%
Hospitals31.9%
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals30.1%
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
26,540 jobs$60,3901.24x
Texas
15,370 jobs$47,8700.93x
Pennsylvania
13,200 jobs$46,7201.85x
New York
11,910 jobs$60,3201.05x
Florida
10,130 jobs$45,7600.87x
Ohio
8,590 jobs$47,5701.32x
North Carolina
6,640 jobs$46,4801.14x
Georgia
6,360 jobs$49,3101.11x
Missouri
5,900 jobs$46,0401.71x
Michigan
5,870 jobs$48,5201.14x
New Jersey
5,830 jobs$58,3001.16x
Illinois
4,620 jobs$49,9300.65x
Virginia
4,510 jobs$47,3400.93x
Washington
3,870 jobs$62,0900.93x
Arizona
3,690 jobs$56,3700.97x
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 2025
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Active Listening
100%
#2
Customer and Personal Service
100%
#3
Oral Comprehension
100%
#4
Service Orientation
94%
#5
Medicine and Dentistry
94%
#6
Oral Expression
92%
#7
Social Perceptiveness
86%
#8
Sociology and Anthropology
86%
#9
Inductive Reasoning
82%
#10
Speaking
80%
Skills Overview
Active Listening
advanced5.0
100%
Customer and Personal Service
advanced5.0
100%
Oral Comprehension
advanced5.0
100%
Service Orientation
advanced4.7
94%
Medicine and Dentistry
advanced4.7
94%
Oral Expression
advanced4.6
92%
Social Perceptiveness
intermediate4.3
86%
Sociology and Anthropology
intermediate4.3
86%
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
Customer and Personal Service
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Oral Comprehension
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Service Orientation
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Medicine and Dentistry
advancedImportance94%
knowledge
4.7/5.0
Oral Expression
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Social Perceptiveness
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Sociology and Anthropology
intermediateImportance86%
knowledge
4.3/5.0
Inductive Reasoning
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Administrative
intermediateImportance80%
knowledge
4.0/5.0
Psychology
intermediateImportance74%
knowledge
3.7/5.0
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
- ✓Customer and Personal Service
Learn on the Job:
- →Coordination
- →Persuasion
- →Administration and Management
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Service Orientation
- ✓Social Perceptiveness
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Customer and Personal Service
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Service Orientation
- ★Social Perceptiveness
- ★Speaking
- ★Customer and Personal Service
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
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Ophthalmic Medical Technologists.
Browse Training Programs →The Apprenticeship Route: Earn While You Learn
You don't necessarily need to pay for school to enter this field. There are 25 registered apprenticeship sponsors for this occupation in the U.S. DOL system. Apprentices earn a wage from day one, typically starting at 40–50% of the journeyman rate, and finish with no tuition debt.
Most sponsors: SC (5) , TX (3) , ID (2) , ME (2) , MI (2)
How apprenticeships work →Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors (apprenticeship.gov)
Trade Colleges That Train for Ophthalmic Medical Technologists
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
11.1k program completions/year
Des Moines Area Community College
Ankeny, IA
2.2k program completions/year
South Florida Institute of Technology
Miami, FL
1.8k program completions/year
Hondros College of Nursing
Columbus, OH
1.7k program completions/year
Northwest Career College
Las Vegas, NV
1.5k program completions/year
Mountainland Technical College
Lehi, UT
1.4k program completions/year
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Green Bay, WI
1.3k program completions/year
Gateway Technical College
Kenosha, WI
1.3k program completions/year
College of Lake County
Grayslake, IL
1.3k program completions/year
Central Georgia Technical College
Warner Robins, GA
1.2k program completions/year
Bluegrass Community and Technical College
Lexington, KY
1.2k program completions/year
American Career College-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
1.2k program completions/year
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