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Job outlook for optical laboratory technicians in the United States
Optical laboratory technician job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected optical laboratory technician job growth rate is 2% from 2018-2028.
About 1,400 new jobs for optical laboratory technicians are projected over the next decade.
Optical laboratory technician salaries have increased 12% for optical laboratory technicians in the last 5 years.
There are over 9,491 optical laboratory technicians currently employed in the United States.
There are 40,155 active optical laboratory technician job openings in the US.
The average optical laboratory technician salary is $32,926.
Are optical laboratory technician jobs in demand?
Optical laboratory technician job and salary trends over time
Optical laboratory technician jobs over time
Optical laboratory technician job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 9,491 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 13,106 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 14,615 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 14,018 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 15,091 | 0.00% |
Average optical laboratory technician salary over time
Optical laboratory technician salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $32,926 | $15.83 | +5.6% |
| 2025 | $31,186 | $14.99 | +2.5% |
| 2024 | $30,430 | $14.63 | +2.8% |
| 2023 | $29,599 | $14.23 | +1.0% |
| 2022 | $29,293 | $14.08 | +2.6% |
Optical laboratory technician jobs by state
Most common states for optical laboratory technicians
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 168 | 19% |
| 2 | Alaska | 739,795 | 139 | 19% |
| 3 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 506 | 16% |
| 4 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 216 | 16% |
| 5 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 995 | 15% |
| 6 | Vermont | 623,657 | 90 | 14% |
| 7 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 99 | 13% |
| 8 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 642 | 12% |
| 9 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 124 | 12% |
| 10 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 589 | 11% |
| 11 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 148 | 11% |
| 12 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 76 | 11% |
| 13 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 751 | 10% |
| 14 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 555 | 10% |
| 15 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 321 | 10% |
| 16 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 300 | 10% |
| 17 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 185 | 10% |
| 18 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 164 | 10% |
| 19 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 634 | 9% |
| 20 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 633 | 9% |
Most common cities for optical laboratory technicians
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brooklyn Park | 5 | 6% | $36,551 |
| 2 | Ocala | 1 | 2% | $30,601 |
| 3 | Fort Wayne | 2 | 1% | $35,524 |
| 4 | Billings | 1 | 1% | $33,197 |
| 5 | El Cajon | 1 | 1% | $34,913 |
| 6 | Erie | 1 | 1% | $33,123 |
| 7 | Fort Myers | 1 | 1% | $30,490 |
| 8 | Grand Rapids | 1 | 1% | $32,041 |
| 9 | Lakeland | 1 | 1% | $30,564 |
| 10 | Mobile | 1 | 1% | $30,568 |
| 11 | Orem | 1 | 1% | $36,227 |
| 12 | Peoria | 1 | 1% | $37,049 |
| 13 | Riverview | 1 | 1% | $30,562 |
| 14 | Chula Vista | 1 | 0% | $34,947 |
| 15 | Des Moines | 1 | 0% | $37,205 |
| 16 | Phoenix | 1 | 0% | $35,660 |
| 17 | Pittsburgh | 1 | 0% | $32,227 |
Optical Laboratory Technician job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of optical laboratory technician experts
Missouri University of Science and Technology
University of Hawaii at Manoa
University of Arizona
The University of New Hampshire's Central Science
Dr. Rainer Glaser
Professor and ChairMissouri University of Science and Technology
Chemistry Department
What skills stand out on Optical Laboratory Technician resumes?
Dr. Rainer Glaser: Chemistry competence is key, of course. As a close second, chemists need to demonstrate effective team player competence. Communication skills are essential, in conversation and in writing. Effective collaboration requires highly developed skills to work with team members, peers, and leadership.
Christopher Bae Ph.D.
Professor, Department ChairUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa
Department of Anthropology
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Optical Laboratory Technicians?
Christopher Bae Ph.D.: Yes and no. Obviously, hiring in anthropology, like most academic fields, has become more difficult now because of the economic impact of COVID-19 worldwide. However, anthropology graduates are still managing to find job placement in postdoctoral research fellowships, cultural resource management firms, and non-governmental organizations. The applied areas of anthropology are where positions can still be found fairly regularly. Moving forward, however, I anticipate a rebound, like in most fields, of hires more broadly in anthropology.
What type of skills will young Optical Laboratory Technicians need?
John Wilbur Ph.D.: In the short-term, testing skills like PCR and ELISA seems essential, but I think the enduring skills or working with a team, writing, and other communication skills are most important.
How do you envision technology impacting Optical Laboratory Technicians in the next 5 years?
Glen P. Miller: The chemistry field is constantly impacted by advancements in scientific instrumentation, hardware, and software, especially those that cut across adjacent fields like biology and materials science. Job seekers should be well-grounded in current technologies while aware of recent developments and trends.