Optometric Technician: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Optometric Technician programs equip students with the technical and clinical expertise needed to support optometrists in delivering comprehensive eye care services. This training emphasizes hands-on proficiency in patient assessment, optical device fitting, and efficient office operations within clinical settings.
- Applied Anatomy and Physiology of the Eye – A focused study of the eye’s structure and biological functions, providing a foundational understanding of ocular health and disease.
- Visual Testing Procedures – Training in standardized techniques for evaluating visual acuity, refraction, and ocular motility to support accurate diagnosis.
- Patient Communication and Preparation – Development of interpersonal skills to guide patients through exams, explain procedures, and ensure comfort and cooperation.
- Medication Administration and Management – Instruction on the safe handling, application, and documentation of ophthalmic drugs under supervision.
- Dispensing and Fitting of Eyewear – Practical experience in selecting, adjusting, and fitting corrective lenses, including glasses and contact lenses, to meet individual patient needs.
- Medical Record-Keeping and Documentation – Mastery of accurate, compliant record systems essential for tracking patient histories, treatment plans, and regulatory requirements.
- Office Management and Clinical Workflow – Skills in scheduling, inventory control, equipment maintenance, and supporting the smooth daily operation of optometric practices.
Optometric Technician Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Optometric Technician Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Optometric Technician degrees, including Ophthalmic Medical Technicians. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 76,520 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ophthalmic Medical Technicians 29-2057 | $44,080 | $34,210 - $60,810 | 76,520 | $21.19 |
Optometric Technician Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $31,720 in Wyoming to $60,810 in Minnesota—a 92% difference. The highest-paying states include Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Vermont. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 76,520 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Optometric Technician by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 16 institutions offering Optometric Technician programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Optometric Technician is found at Columbia Central University (CCU), Caguas (66 graduates), San Jacinto Community College (22 graduates), Inter American University of Puerto Rico (UIPR), Ponce (19 graduates), Cape Coral Technical College (CCTC) (19 graduates), and Madison Area Technical College (17 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 201 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia Central University (CCU) |
Associate's
|
66 | Caguas, Puerto Rico | Private | columbiacentral.edu |
| San Jacinto Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
22 | Pasadena, Texas | Public | sanjac.edu |
| Inter American University of Puerto Rico (UIPR) |
Associate's
|
19 | Mercedita, Puerto Rico | Private | ponce.inter.edu |
| Cape Coral Technical College (CCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
19 | Cape Coral, Florida | Public | capecoraltech.edu |
| Madison Area Technical College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
17 | Madison, Wisconsin | Public | madisoncollege.edu |
| Tyler Junior College (TJC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
13 | Tyler, Texas | Public | tjc.edu |
| Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) |
Other Award
|
12 | Clarkston, Georgia | Public | gptc.edu |
| Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico (PUCPR) |
Associate's
|
8 | Arecibo, Puerto Rico | Private | pucpr.edu |
| St Philip's College |
Associate's
|
5 | San Antonio, Texas | Public | alamo.edu |
| Ogeechee Technical College (OTC) |
Other Award
|
5 | Statesboro, Georgia | Public | ogeecheetech.edu |
| Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
4 | Branchburg, New Jersey | Public | raritanval.edu |
| Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico |
Associate's
|
4 | Mayaguez, Puerto Rico | Private | mayaguez.pucpr.edu |
| Sacramento City College (SCC) |
Other Award
|
2 | Sacramento, California | Public | scc.losrios.edu |
| Wiregrass Georgia Technical College |
Other Award
|
2 | Valdosta, Georgia | Public | wiregrass.edu |
| Durham Technical Community College (Durham Tech) |
Other Award
|
2 | Durham, North Carolina | Public | durhamtech.edu |
| College of DuPage (COD) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | Glen Ellyn, Illinois | Public | cod.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Optometric Technician programs
How much can I earn with a Optometric Technician degree?
Salaries for Optometric Technician graduates vary by role and location. Ophthalmic Medical Technicians earn a median of $44,080 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Minnesota average $60,810 compared to $31,720 in Wyoming. Approximately 76,520 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Optometric Technician programs?
Currently 16 accredited institutions offer Optometric Technician degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Columbia Central University (CCU), Caguas (66 graduates), San Jacinto Community College (22 graduates), and Inter American University of Puerto Rico (UIPR), Ponce (19 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Optometric Technician growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 241 in 2010 to a peak of 216 in 2020, before declining slightly to 201 in 2023-24. This represents a 17% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Optometric Technician degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Ophthalmic Medical Technicians. Related occupations employ approximately 76,520 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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