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Assistant Ophthalmic Technician Salary in the United States

How much does an Assistant Ophthalmic Technician make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Assistant Ophthalmic Technician in the United States is $48,232 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.

However, an Assistant Ophthalmic Technician's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $53,788
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $42,574 to $51,140
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $37,423
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Assistant Ophthalmic Technician Salaries

An Assistant Ophthalmic Technician's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Assistant Ophthalmic Technician Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Assistant Ophthalmic Technician's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $46,374
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $46,796
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $47,388
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $48,319
  • Expert (over 8 years): $49,187
Levels Salary
Entry Level Assistant Ophthalmic Technician$46,374
Intermediate Level Assistant Ophthalmic Technician$46,796
Senior Level Assistant Ophthalmic Technician$47,388
Specialist Level Assistant Ophthalmic Technician$48,319
Expert Level Assistant Ophthalmic Technician$49,187
View as Graph

How Do Assistant Ophthalmic Technicians Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Assistant Ophthalmic Technicians. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $53,402.
  • California: $53,200.
  • Massachusetts: $52,491.

Top Paying Cities for Assistant Ophthalmic Technician

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $60,835
  • San Francisco: $60,169
  • Oakland: $58,901

Assistant Ophthalmic Technician Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Assistant Ophthalmic Technician salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $51,161. While startup companies pay approximate $43,596.

Assistant Ophthalmic Technician Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $43,596
Growth Stage 51~500 $46,022
Established 501~5000 $49,488
Enterprise 5000+ $51,161

Assistant Ophthalmic Technician Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Assistant Ophthalmic Technician roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Assistant Ophthalmic Technician positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Assistant Ophthalmic Technician as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an Assistant Ophthalmic Technician

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare$53,055$26.010%

Assistant Ophthalmic Technician Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Assistant Ophthalmic Technician's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$42,574
Average $48,232/year
$51,140
$3,548
Average $4,019/month
$4,262
$819
Average $928/week
$983
$20
Average $23/hour
$25
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $51,140 $4,262 $983 $25
Average $48,232 $4,019 $928 $23
25th Percentile $42,574 $3,548 $819 $20

Most common benefits for Assistant Ophthalmic Technician

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Assistant Ophthalmic Technician

Here are companies hiring for Assistant Ophthalmic Technician and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Assistant Ophthalmic Technician

1. Where can an Assistant Ophthalmic Technician earn the most?

An Assistant Ophthalmic Technician's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, an Assistant Ophthalmic Technician earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Assistant Ophthalmic Technician is $60,835.

2. What is the highest pay for Assistant Ophthalmic Technician?

The highest pay for Assistant Ophthalmic Technician is $53,788.

3. What is the lowest pay for Assistant Ophthalmic Technician?

The lowest pay for Assistant Ophthalmic Technician is $37,423.

4. What are the responsibilities of Assistant Ophthalmic Technician?

Assists with providing technical services to patients and assists ophthalmologists or optometrists in the examination and treatment of eye disorders. Takes patient history and conducts visual acuity screenings. Prepares patients for exams and procedures. Takes measurements and documents exam results. Operates, maintains, and sanitizes ophthalmic equipment and instruments. May dispense contact lenses. Requires a high school diploma. May require Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA). Typically reports to a manager. Years of experience may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Assistant Ophthalmic Technician?

The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Assistant Ophthalmic Technician roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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