What is the salary of a Ophthalmic Medical Technologist?

The typical salary range is $34,153 - $68,306 per year.

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Which studies lead to becoming a Ophthalmic Medical Technologist?

Medical & WelfareGrowingBright Outlook

Ophthalmic Medical Technologist

Operational-level

Also known as: Angiographer, Angiography Technologist, Certified Diagnostic Ophthalmic Sonographer (CDOS), Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT)

Medical & WelfareBachelor's Degree

Job Description

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.

OphthalmologyOphthalmic TechnologyOphthalmic PhotographyOptometrySurgical AssistingHealthcarePatient CareMedical AssistingMedical Careers

A Day in the Life

You arrive at the bustling ophthalmology clinic in downtown Denver, logging into the electronic medical records (EMR) system to review the morning's schedule. First, you check the sterilization log and begin preparing the minor procedure room, laying out sterile instruments like forceps, speculums, and sutures for an upcoming chalazion removal. A quick chat with your colleague, Maria, about a complex patient from yesterday helps you both prepare for the day’s flow, ensuring all necessary equipment is calibrated and ready.

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

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

Hot technologies

Autodesk AutoCAD JavaScript Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft Word SAP software

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Bright Outlook

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

Projected growth

+5.9%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

12,400

per year (US)

Jobs today

185,600

in 2025 → 196,400 (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

This career has a growing outlook, with about 12,400 openings projected each year through 2035. Employment is expected to increase by 5.9% from 2025 to 2035, and the median annual wage is about $50,290. You can advance from roles like Medical Assistant, potentially moving into specialized positions such as Ophthalmic Clinical Manager or becoming an Ophthalmology Educator.

Career ladder

Often before this role

Assistant Ophtalmique
Assistant Médical
Apprenti Opticien

Ophthalmic Medical Technologist

Where it can lead

Sonnographe Ophtalmique
Gestionnaire Clinique Ophtalmique
Éducateur en Ophtalmologie

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will increasingly assist ophthalmic medical technologists by automating image analysis (e.g., retinal scans) and aiding in early disease detection. This shift will allow technologists to focus more on direct patient interaction, complex procedural assistance, and supervision, evolving their role towards advanced diagnostic interpretation and patient education rather than routine data collection.

Salary

$50,290

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position