As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Optician Tech in Highlands, NC is $35,748 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.
However, an Optician Tech's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Optician Tech'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, skills and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Optician Tech'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 |
|---|---|
| Optician ... Level Optician Tech | $36,422 |
| Machine O... Level Optician Tech | $40,477 |
| Machine O... Level Optician Tech | $45,927 |
| Machine O... Level Optician Tech | $49,351 |
| Machine O... Level Optician Tech | $71,701 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 3.86% |
| Machine Operation | 3.15% |
| Container | 2.29% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
CNC
|
$38,251 |
7%
|
|
Accountability
|
$37,178 |
4%
|
|
SOP
|
$36,821 |
3%
|
|
Dedication
|
$36,821 |
3%
|
|
Products and Services
|
$36,463 |
2%
|
|
ISO
|
$36,463 |
2%
|
For Optician Tech roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 75% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the MFG Nondurable and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, Optician Tech positions in MFG Durable or Healthcare typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Optician Tech as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFG Nondurable | $48,260 | $23.0 | 35% |
| Financial Services | $46,473 | $22.0 | 30% |
| Media | $44,685 | $21.0 | 25% |
| Biotechnology | $42,898 | $21.0 | 20% |
| Insurance | $41,110 | $20.0 | 15% |
Understanding how an Optician Tech'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, 2026Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Optician Tech job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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