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For Educators: Military Resources

Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians

Median Salary
37,720
Job Outlook
-1%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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.

What is the job outlook?

Overall employment of dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians is projected to decline 1 percent from 2023 to 2033. About 7,200 openings for dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$21,830

10%

$37,720

Median

$58,810

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • High school

    56%

  • Some college

    14%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    8%

  • Associate's degree

    6%

  • Less than high school

    4%

  • Master's degree

    3%

  • Bachelor's degree

    3%

  • First professional degree

    1%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Ophthalmic Laboratory Technology/Technician

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Low

  • Leadership

    Low

  • Math and Science Skills

    Mid

  • Technology Design and Control

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Low

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Production and Processing
  • Mathematics
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Mechanical
  • Customer and Personal Service

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Time Pressure

    High

  • Repetitiveness

    High

  • Physical Activity

    High

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Responsibility

    Low

  • Level Of Competition

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.