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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Optical Laboratory Technician in Tennessee is $64,283 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.
However, an Optical Laboratory Technician's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Optical Laboratory Technician Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $68,927 | $5,744 | $1,326 | $33 |
| Average | $64,283 | $5,357 | $1,236 | $31 |
| 25th Percentile | $55,960 | $4,663 | $1,076 | $27 |
Pandrol USA LP - Memphis, TN
TLC - Arlington, TN
HCA Healthcare - Chattanooga, TN
Centrus Energy Corp. - Oak Ridge, TN
An Optical Laboratory 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.
Experience is a primary driver of an Optical Laboratory 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Optical Laboratory Technician | $63,473 |
| Intermediate Level Optical Laboratory Technician | $63,705 |
| Senior Level Optical Laboratory Technician | $66,314 |
| Specialist Level Optical Laboratory Technician | $67,977 |
| Expert Level Optical Laboratory Technician | $68,096 |
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 Optical Laboratory Technicians. 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 Optical Laboratory Technician roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Retail & Wholesale, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Optical Laboratory Technician positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Optical Laboratory Technician as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail & Wholesale | $77,139 | $37.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $67,497 | $32.0 | 5% |
Understanding how an Optical Laboratory 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $68,927 | $5,744 | $1,326 | $33 |
| Average | $64,283 | $5,357 | $1,236 | $31 |
| 25th Percentile | $55,960 | $4,663 | $1,076 | $27 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Optical Laboratory Technician job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
BioIVT
Johnson City, TN
BioIVT | Johnson City, TN
Job Description. Job Description. BioIVT is a leading global provider of research models and value-added research services for drug discovery and developme... more
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HCA Healthcare
Nashville, TN
HCA Healthcare | Nashville, TN
Medical Laboratory Technician Opportunity. Do you have the career opportunities as a Medical Laboratory Technician you want with your current employer. We ... more
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Nashville, TN
Sarah Cannon Research Institute | Nashville, TN
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AMN Healthcare
Jefferson City, TN
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BASF Corporation
Sparta, TN
BASF Corporation | Sparta, TN
Now hiring. Laboratory Technician Apprentice Sparta, TN Starting pay:$20/hr Earn a paycheck while you learn a new career as a Laboratory Technician Apprent... more
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