As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Optometrist Technician in the United States is $140,766 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $68.
However, an Optometrist Technician's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Optometrist 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Optometrist 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 Optometrist Technician | $138,131 |
| Intermediate Level Optometrist Technician | $138,658 |
| Senior Level Optometrist Technician | $142,160 |
| Specialist Level Optometrist Technician | $147,012 |
| Expert Level Optometrist Technician | $147,879 |
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 Optometrist Technicians. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Scheduling | 7.87% |
| Long Term Care | 3.28% |
| Geriatrics | 2.31% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Wholesale
|
$156,250 |
11%
|
|
Financial Risk
|
$154,843 |
10%
|
|
Innovation
|
$153,435 |
9%
|
|
Collaborating
|
$153,435 |
9%
|
|
Motivating
|
$153,435 |
9%
|
|
Pathology
|
$152,027 |
8%
|
For Optometrist Technician roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 30% above the average. Conversely, Optometrist Technician positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Optometrist Technician as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $182,996 | $88.0 | 30% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Optometrist Technicians enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Optometrist Technician with a Bachelor's Degree is between $138,756 and $146,430).
Optometrist Technician Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.9% |
| High School | 3.9% |
| Associates | 1.3% |
| Bachelors | 10.4% |
| Masters | 9.1% |
| Doctorate | 74.5% |
Understanding how an Optometrist 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 July 01, 2026Salaries for an Optometrist Technician can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $113,821 in 2023 to around $113,382 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Optometrist Technician salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $113,821 |
| 2024 | $115,198 |
| 2025 | $113,382 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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