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How much does a Ophthalmic Assistant make?

The average salary for a Ophthalmic Assistant is $44,847 per year in the US.

An Ophthalmic Assistant plays an important role in helping eye doctors. They work with patients and help with exams. The pay for this job can vary. Most Ophthalmic Assistants make between $30,000 and $70,000 a year. The average yearly salary is around $44,847. This means that someone new to the job might start lower and earn more as they gain experience.

The job of an Ophthalmic Assistant is rewarding. It also offers a good salary. With experience, Ophthalmic Assistants can expect to see their pay increase. Many people find this job to be both financially and personally fulfilling. It's a good choice for those interested in health care and eye care.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Ophthalmic Assistant?

Looking for top pay as an Ophthalmic Assistant? Chicago, Illinois offers the highest average salary at $62,954. Close behind, Los Angeles, California, and San Diego, California, each provide competitive wages for this role. Cities like Madison, Wisconsin, and Seattle, Washington, also offer strong earning potential. Ophthalmic Assistants can expect to see good salaries in several major cities. San Diego, California, and Madison, Wisconsin, rank among the best. Seattle, Washington, and Worcester, Massachusetts, also offer attractive pay packages. These cities present excellent opportunities for those seeking both rewarding work and solid compensation.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Ophthalmic Assistant jobs, highlighting Chicago, IL with the highest at $62,954 and Tampa, FL with the lowest at $42,524.
  1. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $62,954
    In Chicago, ophthalmic professionals work in a city known for its cutting-edge medical facilities. The Windy City offers numerous opportunities with prominent healthcare providers, including Rush University Medical Center and Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Job seekers benefit from a bustling job market and diverse healthcare services.
    Find Ophthalmic Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL


  2. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $60,291
    Los Angeles presents a vibrant environment for eye care specialists. With a high demand for eye care services, positions are available at major institutions like the Doheny Eye Institute and the UCLA Stein Eye Institute. The sunny lifestyle adds to the appeal for those seeking both professional growth and a pleasant work atmosphere.
    Find Ophthalmic Assistant jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  3. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $57,062
    San Diego offers a dynamic setting for those interested in eye care. The city's strong healthcare sector includes employers such as the Shiley Eye Institute at UC San Diego Health. With beautiful beaches and a mild climate, it provides a balanced lifestyle while working in a prominent medical community.
    Find Ophthalmic Assistant jobs in San Diego, CA


  4. Madison, WI
    Average Salary: $50,828
    Madison provides a unique blend of academic and community healthcare opportunities. The University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics and other local practices offer robust positions. The city's family-friendly environment and rich cultural scene make it an attractive place to work and live.
    Find Ophthalmic Assistant jobs in Madison, WI


  5. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $50,793
    Seattle's eye care market thrives in a tech-savvy, health-conscious city. With institutions like the Seattle Eye Clinic and Virginia Mason Medical Center, job seekers enjoy a competitive salary and a vibrant community. The city’s scenic beauty and outdoor activities enhance the overall quality of life.
    Find Ophthalmic Assistant jobs in Seattle, WA


  6. Worcester, MA
    Average Salary: $50,025
    Worcester, known as the Heart of the Commonwealth, offers a strong healthcare sector with employers like UMass Memorial Medical Center. The city’s affordable cost of living and close-knit community make it an appealing place to build a career in eye care.
    Find Ophthalmic Assistant jobs in Worcester, MA


  7. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $49,077
    Denver boasts a thriving job market for ophthalmic assistants, with major healthcare providers such as the Denver Health Medical Center. The city’s high altitude and beautiful mountains provide a refreshing backdrop to a rewarding career in eye care.
    Find Ophthalmic Assistant jobs in Denver, CO


  8. Houston, TX
    Average Salary: $45,413
    Houston’s diverse and growing population creates a steady demand for eye care services. Leading employers include the Baylor College of Medicine and Memorial Hermann Healthcare System. The city’s warm climate and cultural diversity add to the appeal for job seekers.
    Find Ophthalmic Assistant jobs in Houston, TX


  9. Fargo, ND
    Average Salary: $43,717
    Fargo offers a more relaxed pace of life with strong local healthcare institutions. Sanford Health and other local clinics provide numerous opportunities for ophthalmic professionals. The city’s safety and family-oriented lifestyle are significant advantages.
    Find Ophthalmic Assistant jobs in Fargo, ND


  10. Tampa, FL
    Average Salary: $42,524
    Tampa provides a warm, sunny environment with a growing healthcare sector. Key employers include the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital and various private practices. The city’s affordable living costs and beautiful beaches make it an attractive option for job seekers.
    Find Ophthalmic Assistant jobs in Tampa, FL

What are the best companies a Ophthalmic Assistant can work for?

Sutter Health leads in offering the highest average salaries for Ophthalmic Assistants at $76,683 annually. Kaiser Permanente and Northwestern Medicine follow closely, providing competitive wages for this role. These companies value their ophthalmic staff, ensuring rewarding opportunities in the field. Optum, Mayo Clinic, and UW Health also offer substantial salaries, ranging from $52,623 to $51,858 per year. These organizations recognize the importance of eye care and invest in their professionals. Loma Linda University Health and PRISM Vision Group present good options with salaries around $51,492 and $47,441 respectively.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Ophthalmic Assistant jobs, highlighting Sutter Health with the highest at $76,683 and Unifeye Vision Partners with the lowest at $46,737.
  1. Sutter Health
    Average Salary: $76,683
    Sutter Health offers rewarding careers for Ophthalmic Assistants. Working with them means you can find roles in various locations across California. You help in patient care, aiding the doctors. It’s a job that offers good benefits and chances to grow.


  2. Kaiser Permanente
    Average Salary: $65,124
    Kaiser Permanente is a great place for Ophthalmic Assistants. They operate in several states, including California and Colorado. You will assist ophthalmologists, ensuring smooth patient care. This job provides good benefits and stability.


  3. Northwestern Medicine
    Average Salary: $59,923
    Northwestern Medicine values Ophthalmic Assistants. They have locations in Illinois. Your role involves supporting doctors and helping with patient exams. This job offers a collaborative work environment.


  4. Optum
    Average Salary: $52,623
    Optum provides opportunities for Ophthalmic Assistants in many states. Your job includes helping with patient care and supporting ophthalmologists. It’s a dynamic job with room for advancement.


  5. Mayo Clinic
    Average Salary: $52,318
    Mayo Clinic is renowned for its healthcare services. Ophthalmic Assistants here work in Minnesota, Arizona, and Florida. You will assist in patient care and support the medical team. This job offers excellent benefits and a supportive environment.


  6. UW Health
    Average Salary: $51,858
    UW Health offers jobs for Ophthalmic Assistants in Wisconsin. You will help with patient care and support doctors. This role provides a good work-life balance and opportunities for professional growth.


  7. Loma Linda University Health
    Average Salary: $51,492
    Loma Linda University Health operates in California. Ophthalmic Assistants here assist with patient care and support the medical team. This job offers a supportive environment and chances to develop professionally.


  8. COLORADO COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS
    Average Salary: $48,810
    COLORADO COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS provides roles for Ophthalmic Assistants in Colorado. You will assist with patient care and support the healthcare team. It’s a job that offers good benefits and a positive work environment.


  9. PRISM Vision Group
    Average Salary: $47,441
    PRISM Vision Group offers jobs for Ophthalmic Assistants in Indiana and Kentucky. Your role will involve helping with patient care and supporting the doctors. This job offers a chance to work in a dynamic environment.


  10. Unifeye Vision Partners
    Average Salary: $46,737
    Unifeye Vision Partners has locations in California and Nevada. Ophthalmic Assistants here support patient care and the medical team. This job offers a supportive environment and opportunities for growth.

How to earn more as a Ophthalmic Assistant?

Working as an Ophthalmic Assistant can be a fulfilling career. However, you can increase your earnings by taking certain steps. The right strategies can help you earn more and advance your career.

Here are some factors that can help increase your income as an Ophthalmic Assistant:

  1. Certification: Gaining certification can make you more valuable to employers. This extra credential can lead to higher pay.
  2. Experience: Gaining more experience can lead to higher-paying positions. With more experience, you may qualify for roles that pay better.
  3. Specialization: Specializing in a particular area of ophthalmology can open up higher-paying job opportunities. For example, you might choose to specialize in surgical assisting or pediatric care.
  4. Location: Location matters. Working in areas with a higher cost of living often means higher pay. Consider relocating if the job opportunities align with your career goals.
  5. Further Education: Taking courses to learn new skills can boost your earning potential. Advanced training in technology or techniques can make you more competitive.

Currently 285 Ophthalmic Assistant job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Ophthalmic Assistant in the US?

Learn what a Ophthalmic Assistant does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Ophthalmic Assistant today.
Position
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Ophthalmic Assistant
285 Job Openings