Position
Salary

How much does a Optical Technician make?

The average salary for a Optical Technician is $36,088 per year in the US.

An Optical Technician plays a vital role in the healthcare industry. They help people see better by fitting and adjusting eyeglasses and contact lenses. The average yearly salary for an Optical Technician is around $36,088. This means most technicians earn somewhere between this amount and the highest salaries listed.

The salary range for Optical Technicians can vary based on experience and location. The lowest 10% earn about $26,000. The middle 50% earn between $29,625 and $51,372. The top 10% can make over $62,000 a year. These numbers show that with more experience, Optical Technicians can earn higher salaries. Working in areas with higher living costs can also lead to better pay.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Optical Technician?

Optical Technicians can find high-paying jobs in several cities. Fresno, California, offers the highest average salary at $40,476. This makes it a top choice for those seeking better pay. Other cities like Tucson, Arizona, and St. Louis, Missouri, also provide competitive salaries for this role.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Optical Technician jobs, highlighting Fresno, CA with the highest at $40,476 and Lexington, KY with the lowest at $28,538.
  1. Fresno, CA
    Average Salary: $40,476
    In Fresno, California, professionals find rewarding opportunities in the optical field. With a growing demand for eye care services, companies like LensCrafters and Visionworks are expanding. The city offers a supportive environment for those looking to advance their careers.
    Find Optical Technician jobs in Fresno, CA


  2. Tucson, AZ
    Average Salary: $32,353
    Tucson, Arizona, provides a vibrant setting for optical technicians. The city's healthcare sector is on the rise, with prominent employers such as America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses. Job seekers can enjoy a dynamic work atmosphere and a chance to make a difference in people's lives.
    Find Optical Technician jobs in Tucson, AZ


  3. St. Louis, MO
    Average Salary: $30,000
    St. Louis, Missouri, is a great place for those in the optical industry. The city boasts a strong presence of optical companies like LensCrafters and Pearle Vision. Technicians here benefit from a stable job market and the chance to work with leading brands in the field.
    Find Optical Technician jobs in St. Louis, MO


  4. Tampa, FL
    Average Salary: $29,042
    Tampa, Florida, offers a lively environment for optical technicians. The city's healthcare sector is thriving, with companies like LensCrafters and Visionworks leading the way. Job seekers can expect a positive work culture and opportunities for professional growth.
    Find Optical Technician jobs in Tampa, FL


  5. Lexington, KY
    Average Salary: $28,538
    Lexington, Kentucky, provides a welcoming atmosphere for optical professionals. The city's healthcare industry is growing, with companies like LensCrafters and Pearle Vision offering excellent opportunities. Technicians here can enjoy a supportive community and a chance to enhance their skills.
    Find Optical Technician jobs in Lexington, KY

What are the best companies a Optical Technician can work for?

United Health Centers offers one of the best salaries for Optical Technicians, with an average of $42,000 per year. Inrad Optics and VSP Vision also provide competitive pay, with averages of $34,000 and $32,545, respectively. Nationwide Vision Center, Nationwide Vision, Eyecare Partners, and Clarkson Eyecare offer salaries around $31,000 to $30,000 annually.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Optical Technician jobs, highlighting United Health Centers with the highest at $42,000 and Clarkson Eyecare with the lowest at $30,341.
  1. United Health Centers
    Average Salary: $42,000
    United Health Centers offers rewarding Optical Technician jobs with a focus on patient care. They operate in California, providing services in various locations. The company values teamwork and professional growth.


  2. Inrad Optics
    Average Salary: $34,000
    Inrad Optics provides Optical Technician positions with a strong emphasis on innovation. They are based in Minnesota, offering a collaborative work environment. Employees enjoy opportunities for skill development and advancement.


  3. VSP Vision
    Average Salary: $32,545
    VSP Vision offers Optical Technician jobs with a focus on customer service. They operate nationwide, providing services in many locations. The company values a positive work culture and professional development.


  4. Nationwide Vision Center
    Average Salary: $31,818
    Nationwide Vision Center provides Optical Technician positions with a commitment to quality care. They operate in multiple states, offering a supportive work environment. Employees benefit from a strong company culture and growth opportunities.


  5. Nationwide Vision
    Average Salary: $31,818
    Nationwide Vision offers Optical Technician jobs with a focus on patient satisfaction. They operate in various locations across the country. The company values teamwork and professional development.


  6. Eyecare Partners
    Average Salary: $31,154
    Eyecare Partners provides Optical Technician positions with a strong emphasis on patient care. They operate in multiple states, offering a collaborative work environment. Employees enjoy opportunities for skill development and advancement.


  7. Clarkson Eyecare
    Average Salary: $30,341
    Clarkson Eyecare offers Optical Technician jobs with a focus on quality service. They operate in several states, providing a supportive work environment. The company values a positive work culture and professional growth.

How to earn more as a Optical Technician?

Becoming a skilled Optical Technician opens many doors for career growth and higher earnings. To maximize your potential, consider these key factors that can lead to increased income. Each of these elements plays a crucial role in enhancing your professional value and earning capacity.

First, focus on gaining specialized certifications. These can include certifications in areas like contact lenses, ophthalmic dispensing, or low vision rehabilitation. Such certifications can make you more attractive to employers and open up higher-paying positions. Second, seek out opportunities for continuing education. Workshops, seminars, and advanced courses can keep your skills up to date and competitive. Third, develop strong communication skills. Being able to explain complex eye care concepts to patients clearly can improve patient satisfaction and lead to better job performance. Fourth, build a strong professional network. Connecting with other professionals can lead to job opportunities and referrals that may come with higher pay. Finally, consider working in a high-demand area. Urban centers or regions with a shortage of optical technicians often offer higher wages to attract skilled professionals.

By focusing on these factors, an Optical Technician can significantly increase their earning potential. Specialization, education, communication, networking, and location all play important roles in achieving higher income levels.

  1. Gain specialized certifications
  2. Seek continuing education opportunities
  3. Develop strong communication skills
  4. Build a strong professional network
  5. Consider working in high-demand areas

Currently 108 Optical Technician job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Optical Technician in the US?

Learn what a Optical Technician does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Optical Technician today.
Position
Overview
Optical Technician
108 Job Openings