What is the salary of a Ophthalmic Medical Technician?

The typical salary range is $30,855 - $61,711 per year.

Medical & WelfareGrowingBright Outlook

Ophthalmic Medical Technician

Operational-level

Also known as: Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technician (Certified Ophthalmic Medical Tech), Certified Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant, Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT), Certified Ophthalmic Technician-Surgical Assistant (COT-SA)

Medical & WelfareBachelor's Degree

Job Description

As an Ophthalmic Medical Technician, you'll work closely with eye doctors (ophthalmologists) in a clinic or hospital. Your daily tasks include performing eye exams, administering eye drops or other medications, and teaching patients how to care for their corrective lenses. You'll spend most of your time indoors, interacting face-to-face with patients and working as part of a healthcare team. This role suits individuals who are detail-oriented, enjoy helping people, and communicate clearly. You need strong listening skills and an ability to learn and apply medical procedures accurately.

OphthalmologyOptometryEye CareOphthalmic TechnologyMedical AssistingHealthcarePatient CareMedical Careers

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies

Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Word

In-demand software

Microsoft Excel

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Bright Outlook

O*NET flags this career as a Bright Outlook occupation: grows rapidly over the next decade.

Projected growth

+21.4%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

11,800

per year (US)

Jobs today

72,500

in 2025 → 88,000 (2035)

Typical entry education

Postsecondary nondegree award

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook.

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication

High

Working in a team

High

Contact with others

High

Freedom to make decisions

High

Time pressure

Moderate

Time spent sitting

Moderate

Working outdoors

Low

Indoor, climate-controlled

High

Dealing with customers

High

Level of competition

Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Growing Job Market

The job outlook for Ophthalmic Medical Technicians is strong, with much faster than average growth expected through 2035. Around 11,800 new job openings are projected each year. The median annual wage for this role is about $45,570, offering a growing number of opportunities in eye care.

Career ladder

Often before this role

Medical Assistant
Optometric Assistant

Ophthalmic Medical Technician

Where it can lead

Senior Ophthalmic Technician
Ophthalmic Practice Coordinator
Medical Practice Manager

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will significantly augment the Ophthalmic Medical Technician's role, primarily by automating routine diagnostic image analysis (e.g., OCT, fundus photos) for quicker disease detection and risk stratification. This shift will enable technicians to focus more on operating advanced AI-integrated equipment, complex patient interaction, education, and critical thinking rather than manual interpretation. Consequently, technicians will need to upskill in managing and interpreting AI-generated insights to enhance patient care efficiency and accuracy.

Salary

$45,570

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position