Ophthalmic Medical Technicians
O*NET 29-2057.00 · SOC 29-2057
Ophthalmic Medical Technician is a strong career choice. Median pay is $46k a year with +21.4% projected growth through 2035 (much faster than average) and about 11,800 openings a year. AI exposure: Low.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Measure patients' visual acuity using standardized eye charts
- →Perform tonometry tests to measure intraocular eye pressure
- →Administer dilating eye drops before ophthalmologist examinations
- →Operate optical coherence tomography equipment to image retinas
- →Record patient eye health history and current symptoms
Education & How to Get In
Most Ophthalmic Medical Technician positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as an Ophthalmic Medical Technician involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Ophthalmic Medical Technician?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Ophthalmic Medical Technician Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Ophthalmic Medical Technicians is projected to grow 21.4% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·31% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·27% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
- ·Strong projected growth suggests AI-complementary demand
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does an Ophthalmic Medical Technician make?
The median Ophthalmic Medical Technician earns $46k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Ophthalmic Medical Technician jobs?
Our model puts Ophthalmic Medical Technician at 20 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is low risk, AI-resistant. The main drivers: 31% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; 27% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Ophthalmic Medical Technician a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 21.4% between 2025 and 2035, which is much faster than average. That works out to roughly 11,800 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be an Ophthalmic Medical Technician?
Most Ophthalmic Medical Technician roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.
How long does it take to become an Ophthalmic Medical Technician?
Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is an Ophthalmic Medical Technician career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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