Career comparison
Ophthalmic Technician vs. Optician
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Opticians earn more at the median ($47,260 vs. $45,570), while ophthalmic technicians usually get to work faster (Under 1 year of training). Ophthalmic technicians help eye doctors test vision and prepare patients for care. Opticians fit eyeglasses and contact lenses so patients see clearly and comfortably.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Ophthalmic Technician | Optician | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $45,570 ($21.91/hr) | $47,260 ($22.72/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $35,700 – $61,940 | $35,610 – $76,750 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +21.4% (much faster than average) | +4.2% (about as fast as average) |
| Openings per year | 11,800 | 5,600 |
| Typical entry education | Postsecondary nondegree award | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | Under 1 year | 1–2 years on the job |
| Key credential | Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) | ABO Certification |
| Work setting | Ophthalmic techs work in eye clinics, surgery centers and hospitals.. | Opticians work in optical stores, eye doctor offices and retail chains.. |
What each job does
Ophthalmic Technician
- Take patient histories
- Test visual acuity
- Measure eye pressure
- Dilate pupils
- Run OCT and visual field tests
Optician
- Help customers choose frames and lenses
- Take facial and eye measurements
- Interpret prescriptions
- Order lenses
- Fit and adjust eyewear
How they’re similar
Both careers involve helping others and indoor work. Both are part of the healthcare field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose ophthalmic technician if…
- I want a fast path into healthcare
- I like technology
- I’m patient with older adults
Choose optician if…
- I like helping customers
- I have an eye for style
- I like precise measurements
Still torn? Take the Ophthalmic Technician fit quiz and the Optician fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, ophthalmic technician or optician?
Opticians earn more at the median: $47,260 versus $45,570 for ophthalmic technicians, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Ophthalmic Technicians typically train faster (Under 1 year) than opticians (1–2 years on the job).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects ophthalmic technicians to grow +21.4% from 2025–35, compared with +4.2% for opticians.