Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians
Cut, grind, and polish eyeglasses, contact lenses, or other precision optical elements. Assemble and mount lenses into frames or process other optical elements. Includes precision lens polishers or grinders, centerer-edgers, and lens mounters.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians to increase by 2.2% between 2024 and 2034, from 18,600 to 19,000 jobs. Its estimate of 2,200 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($39,460), education (High school diploma or equivalent), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
18,600
Projected employment (2034)
19,000
Projected change (2024–2034)
2%
Annual openings (projected average)
2,200
Pay & Preparation
$39,460
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Essential Skills
Operation and Control (3.25/5) • Quality Control Analysis (3.12/5) • Operations Monitoring (3.12/5) • Time Management (3.12/5) • Reading Comprehension (3/5) • Judgment and Decision Making (3/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
Market data tells you what is happening.
SmartBid shows you where you fit.
Evaluate opportunities using demand, competition, client quality, and your experience—then focus your effort where you have the strongest chance to win.
Find my best opportunities