How much does a eye care technician make?
Answer: A typical eye care technician in the United States makes $45,570 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 71,000 people work in this job. About the same as the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Eye care technician pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $35,700 | $45,570 | $61,940 | about 71,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | $63,080 | about 720 |
| Wisconsin | $56,420 | about 1,000 |
| California | $54,490 | about 3,000 |
| Maryland | $50,070 | about 1,000 |
| Oregon | $50,020 | about 1,000 |
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., experience and certifications such as IJCAHPO’s can affect pay. Pay also varies by employer and location; jobs with more complex tests or greater responsibility may pay differently.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a eye care technician do?
Assist ophthalmologists by performing ophthalmic clinical functions. May administer eye exams, administer eye medications, and instruct the patient in care and use of corrective lenses.
What's a typical day like?
They ask about a patient’s health, use eye charts and machines to check vision, and take eye measurements. They prepare and care for equipment, and may give eye medicine as directed by an ophthalmologist.
How to get this job
In the U.S., finish high school, then complete an ophthalmic-tech program or learn on the job under an eye doctor. To earn an IJCAHPO certification, meet its training or work-experience rules and pass the exam.
Vocational school or a few years' experience (preparation level 3 of 5)
Good for people who like building and doing and figuring things out.
Did you know?
An eye-care technician may measure pressure inside the eye with tonometry—but that check alone cannot diagnose glaucoma.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/about/print/data-for-occupations-not-covered-in-detail.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-2057.00
- www.jcahpo.org/certification/certifications/certified-ophthalmic-assistant
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/eye-pressure-testing
- www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/glaucoma-diagnosis
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY