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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Ophthalmic Assistant in Iowa is $61,727 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.
However, an Ophthalmic Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Ophthalmic Assistant Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $66,187 | $5,516 | $1,273 | $32 |
| Average | $61,727 | $5,144 | $1,187 | $30 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,735 | $4,478 | $1,033 | $26 |
McFarland Clinic, P.C. - Ames, IA
McFarland Clinic, P.C. - Ames, IA
Cedar Valley Medical Specialists - Waterloo, IA
Wolfe Eye Clinic - Ames, IA
An Ophthalmic Assistant'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.
Experience is a primary driver of an Ophthalmic Assistant'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Ophthalmic Assistant | $60,950 |
| Intermediate Level Ophthalmic Assistant | $61,172 |
| Senior Level Ophthalmic Assistant | $63,677 |
| Specialist Level Ophthalmic Assistant | $65,274 |
| Expert Level Ophthalmic Assistant | $65,388 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Ophthalmic Assistants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Ophthalmic Assistant roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Ophthalmic Assistant positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Ophthalmic Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $74,072 | $36.0 | 20% |
Understanding how an Ophthalmic Assistant'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $66,187 | $5,516 | $1,273 | $32 |
| Average | $61,727 | $5,144 | $1,187 | $30 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,735 | $4,478 | $1,033 | $26 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Ophthalmic Assistant job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Wolfe Eye Clinic
Ames, IA
Wolfe Eye Clinic | Ames, IA
Ophthalmic Technician. Wolfe Eye Clinic Better vision, for a better life. Join the TEAM that generations of Iowans have trusted to provide a higher standar... more
6 Days Ago
Wolfe Eye Clinic
Cedar Falls, IA
Wolfe Eye Clinic | Cedar Falls, IA
Ophthalmic Tester. Cedar Falls - Cedar Falls, IA 50613. Overview. Position Type Full Time. Description. Wolfe Eye Clinic Better vision, for a better life. ... more
6 Days Ago
Wolfe Eye Clinic
West Des Moines, IA
Wolfe Eye Clinic | West Des Moines, IA
Ophthalmic Retina Technician. West Des Moines - West Des Moines, IA 50266. Overview. Position Type Full Time Travel Percentage Daytime Category Technician.... more
2 Days Ago
Wolfe Eye Clinic
Marshalltown, IA
Wolfe Eye Clinic | Marshalltown, IA
Ophthalmic Tester-Retina Technician. Marshalltown - Marshalltown, IA 50158. Overview. Position Type Part Time. Description. Wolfe Eye Clinic Better vision,... more
4 Days Ago
Wolfe Eye Clinic
West Des Moines, IA
Wolfe Eye Clinic | West Des Moines, IA
Part-Time Pediatric Ophthalmic Tech. West Des Moines - West Des Moines, IA 50266. Overview. Position Type Part Time Category Health Care. Description. Part... more
2 Days Ago
Urgent Care Northwest - Astoria
ASTORIA, OR
Urgent Care Northwest - Astoria | ASTORIA, OR
Physician Assistant -PAC. This is a position for a graduate of a physician assistant program. We are looking for a practicing physician assistant to be a f... more
17 Days Ago
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