🏥 Healthcare ↑ 8% growth · Faster than average

Ophthalmic Technician / Ophthalmic Assistant

Ophthalmic technicians work alongside ophthalmologists — performing diagnostic tests, administering eye drops, and assisting in surgeries and procedures. The field is growing as the aging population drives increased demand for cataract surgery, macular degeneration treatment, and diabetic eye care.

$42,000 Median Salary
74K US Jobs
1–2 years on-the-job + exam Training
$500–$5,000 (exam prep) Typical Cost

💰 Salary & Earning Potential

Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Figures represent national averages — local wages vary by state, city, and employer.

Entry Level
$30,000
Median
$42,000
Experienced
$58,000
Want your state's salary? Select a state below to see local wage data, demand, and training programs.

📈 Job Outlook

8%
Projected Growth (10yr)
Faster than average
74K
Total US Jobs
Active positions nationwide
COT
Required Credential
COT (Certified Ophthalmic Technician) or COMT

🎓 Training & Education

Typical Program
On-the-job training + JCAHPO certification
Program Length
1–2 years on-the-job + exam
Typical Tuition
$500–$5,000 (exam prep)
Work Setting
Ophthalmology practices, eye surgery centers, hospital eye departments
🏆 Credential Required: COT (Certified Ophthalmic Technician) or COMT

☀️ Day in the Life

A typical day as a Ophthalmic Technician / Ophthalmic Assistant involves working closely with clients and colleagues in a Ophthalmology practices environment. You'll apply your training daily while building expertise and advancing your career.

⚖️ Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • ✅ Strong job security
  • ✅ Rewarding work
  • ✅ Clear career progression
  • ✅ Growing demand

Challenges

  • ⚠️ Can be physically demanding
  • ⚠️ May require ongoing certification
  • ⚠️ Entry-level wages vary by region

🗺️ Ophthalmic Technician / Ophthalmic Assistant by State

See local salary data, licensing requirements, and schools in your state:

🏫 Schools and programs related to Ophthalmic Technician / Ophthalmic Assistant

USA Career Finder combines federal education datasets, state-approved training lists, workforce training provider lists, and licensing-board sources where available. Always confirm program availability, cost, admissions requirements, and licensing eligibility directly with the school.

Federal dataset match
Career College

American Career College-Los Angeles

📍 Los Angeles, CA
Certificate 1-<2yr
Federal dataset match
Community College

Metro Technology Centers

📍 Oklahoma City, OK
Award
Federal dataset match
Career College

American Career College-Ontario

📍 Ontario, CA
Certificate 1-<2yr
Federal dataset match
Community College

Tulsa Technology Center

📍 Tulsa, OK
Award
Federal dataset match
Community College

Portland Community College

📍 Portland, OR
Certificate 2-4yr
Federal dataset match
Community College

J Sargeant Reynolds Community College

📍 Richmond, VA
Certificate 2-4yr
Federal dataset match
Community College

Connecticut State Community College

📍 Hartford, CT
Certificate 2-4yr
Federal dataset match
Community College

Triton College

📍 River Grove, IL
Certificate 2-4yr
Federal dataset match
Community College

Essex County College

📍 Newark, NJ
Certificate 2-4yr
Federal dataset match
Community College

Raritan Valley Community College

📍 Branchburg, NJ
Certificate 2-4yr
Federal dataset match
Community College

Durham Technical Community College

📍 Durham, NC
Certificate 2-4yr
Federal dataset match
Career College

Pima Medical Institute-Denver

📍 Denver, CO
Certificate 2-4yr
Federal dataset match
Community College

Delgado Community College

📍 New Orleans, LA
Award
Federal dataset match
Community College

Erie Community College

📍 Buffalo, NY
Certificate 2-4yr
Federal dataset match
Community College

Ivy Tech Community College

📍 Indianapolis, IN
Certificate 2-4yr
Federal dataset match
Community College

Roane State Community College

📍 Harriman, TN
Certificate 2-4yr
Federal dataset match
Community College

Volunteer State Community College

📍 Gallatin, TN
Certificate 2-4yr
Federal dataset match
Career College

North-West College-West Covina

📍 West Covina, CA
Award
Federal dataset match
Community College

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College

📍 Valdosta, GA
Certificate 2-4yr
Federal dataset match
Community College

East Mississippi Community College

📍 Scooba, MS
Certificate 2-4yr
Federal dataset match
Community College

Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute

📍 Albuquerque, NM
Certificate 2-4yr
Federal dataset match
Community College

Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute

📍 Hudson, NC
Certificate 1-<2yr
Federal dataset match
Community College

St Philip's College

📍 San Antonio, TX
Certificate 2-4yr
Federal dataset match
Technical College

Cape Coral Technical College

📍 Cape Coral, FL
Certificate 1-<2yr
Federal dataset match
Community College

Camden County College

📍 Blackwood, NJ
Certificate 2-4yr
Federal dataset match
Community College

Central Piedmont Community College

📍 Charlotte, NC
Certificate 1-<2yr
Federal dataset match
Community College

Stark State College

📍 North Canton, OH
Certificate 1-<2yr
Federal dataset match
Technical College

GateWay Community College-Central City

📍 Phoenix, AZ
Award
Federal dataset match
Community College

Sandhills Community College

📍 Pinehurst, NC
Certificate 1-<2yr
Federal dataset match
Community College

Cuyahoga Community College District

📍 Cleveland, OH
Certificate 1-<2yr
Federal dataset match
Community College

Ogeechee Technical College

📍 Statesboro, GA
Certificate 2-4yr
Federal dataset match
Community College

Moorpark College

📍 Moorpark, CA
Award
Federal dataset match
Community College

College of DuPage

📍 Glen Ellyn, IL
Certificate 1-<2yr
Federal dataset match
Community College

Southwestern Community College

📍 Sylva, NC
Certificate 2-4yr
Federal dataset match
Community College

Tarrant County College District

📍 Fort Worth, TX
Certificate 1-<2yr
Federal dataset match
Community College

Lakeshore Technical College

📍 Cleveland, WI
Certificate 1-<2yr
Federal dataset match
Community College

Georgia Piedmont Technical College

📍 Clarkston, GA
Certificate 2-4yr
Federal dataset match
Community College

William T McFatter Technical College

📍 Davie, FL
Certificate 1-<2yr
Federal dataset match
Community College

Edgecombe Community College

📍 Tarboro, NC
Certificate 1-<2yr
Federal dataset match
Community College

Community College of Philadelphia

📍 Philadelphia, PA
Award

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