As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Optometry Tech in Iowa is $106,105 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $51.
However, an Optometry Tech's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Optometry Tech Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $115,131 | $9,594 | $2,214 | $55 |
| Average | $106,105 | $8,842 | $2,040 | $51 |
| 25th Percentile | $94,136 | $7,845 | $1,810 | $45 |
Physicians Clinic of Iowa - CEDAR RAPIDS, IA
Ardent Health - UPPER MONTCLAIR, NJ
Ardent Health - CLAIREMORE, OK
University of Vermont Health - Porter Medical Center - MIDDLEBURY (VILLAGE), VT
An Optometry 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Optometry 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 |
|---|---|
| Technical... Level Optometry Tech | $95,031 |
| Technical... Level Optometry Tech | $111,443 |
| Optometry... Level Optometry Tech | $105,442 |
| Technical... Level Optometry Tech | $120,281 |
| Technical... Level Optometry Tech | $163,920 |
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 Optometry Teches. 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 Optometry Tech roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 35% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Optometry Tech positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Optometry Tech as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $127,327 | $61.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $122,021 | $59.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $116,716 | $56.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $114,594 | $55.0 | 8% |
| Internet | $113,533 | $55.0 | 7% |
Understanding how an Optometry 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $115,131 | $9,594 | $2,214 | $55 |
| Average | $106,105 | $8,842 | $2,040 | $51 |
| 25th Percentile | $94,136 | $7,845 | $1,810 | $45 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Optometry Tech job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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