Ophthalmic Medical Technologists
SOC code 29-2099 · O*NET-SOC 29-2099.05 · Medium preparation needed · Healthcare
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation
Ophthalmic Medical Technologists pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$50,290
a year
Hourly
$24.18
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$58,710
$28.23 per hour
Middle 50%
$44,170 – $64,340
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$38,180 – $85,270
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
182,610
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
These pay and employment figures are for the broader BLS group “Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other”, not this job alone.
- 10th percentile
- $38,180
- $18.36/hr
- 25th percentile
- $44,170
- $21.24/hr
- Median percentile
- $50,290
- $24.18/hr
- 75th percentile
- $64,340
- $30.93/hr
- 90th percentile
- $85,270
- $40.99/hr
What does an ophthalmic medical technologist do?
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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Conduct tonometry or tonography tests to measure intraocular pressure.
- Take and document patients' medical histories.
- Take anatomical or functional ocular measurements, such as axial length measurements, of the eye or surrounding tissue.
- Measure visual acuity, including near, distance, pinhole, or dynamic visual acuity, using appropriate tests.
- Administer topical ophthalmic or oral medications.
- Perform slit lamp biomicroscopy procedures to diagnose disorders of the eye, such as retinitis, presbyopia, cataracts, or retinal detachment.
- Measure and record lens power, using lensometers.
- Calculate corrections for refractive errors.
How to become an ophthalmic medical technologist
Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 30% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education reported by people doing this job
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)30%
- Post-Secondary Certificate25%
- Bachelor's Degree15%
- Some College Courses10%
Common questions
How much does an ophthalmic medical technologist earn?
The national median is $50,290 a year. The full range runs from $38,180 at the 10th percentile to $85,270 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 medical technologist without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Active Listening3.9/5
- Speaking3.9/5
- Critical Thinking3.3/5
- Reading Comprehension3.1/5
- Writing3.1/5
- Active Learning3.0/5
Knowledge areas
- Customer and Personal Service4.5/5
- Medicine and Dentistry4.1/5
- English Language4.0/5
- Education and Training3.4/5
- Mathematics3.1/5
- Administrative3.0/5
- Administration and Management3.0/5
- Computers and Electronics2.9/5
Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Service Orientation, Coordination, Instructing.