Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians

SOC code 51-9083 · O*NET-SOC 51-9083.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Manufacturing and production

Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$39,460

a year

Hourly

$18.97

per hour

10th$33,530Median$39,46090th$57,380

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$43,190

$20.76 per hour

Middle 50%

$36,470 – $47,010

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$33,530 – $57,380

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

18,660

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $33,530; $16.12/hr
25th percentile: $36,470; $17.53/hr
Median percentile: $39,460; $18.97/hr
75th percentile: $47,010; $22.60/hr
90th percentile: $57,380; $27.59/hr

What does an ophthalmic laboratory technician do?

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.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Mount and secure lens blanks or optical lenses in holding tools or chucks of cutting, polishing, grinding, or coating machines.
Inspect lens blanks to detect flaws, verify smoothness of surface, and ensure thickness of coating on lenses.
Set up machines to polish, bevel, edge, or grind lenses, flats, blanks, or other precision optical elements.
Inspect, weigh, and measure mounted or unmounted lenses after completion to verify alignment and conformance to specifications, using precision instruments.
Shape lenses appropriately so that they can be inserted into frames.
Clean finished lenses and eyeglasses, using cloths and solvents.
Mount, secure, and align finished lenses in frames or optical assemblies, using precision hand tools.
Examine prescriptions, work orders, or broken or used eyeglasses to determine specifications for lenses, contact lenses, or other optical elements.

How to become an ophthalmic laboratory technician

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 56% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed

Education: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Training: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

See all zone 2 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)56%
Some College Courses15%
Post-Secondary Certificate9%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree7%

Common questions

How much does an ophthalmic laboratory technician earn?

The national median is $39,460 a year. The full range runs from $33,530 at the 10th percentile to $57,380 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become an ophthalmic laboratory technician without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension3.0/5
Critical Thinking3.0/5
Monitoring3.0/5
Active Listening2.9/5
Speaking2.9/5

Knowledge areas

Production and Processing3.9/5
Mechanical3.4/5
Mathematics3.3/5
Customer and Personal Service3.1/5
Administration and Management3.0/5
English Language3.0/5
Computers and Electronics2.8/5
Education and Training2.7/5

Transferable strengths: Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring, Quality Control Analysis, Time Management, Judgment and Decision Making.