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The differences between optical technicians and technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a technician has an average salary of $38,045, which is higher than the $36,908 average annual salary of an optical technician.
The top three skills for an optical technician include patients, chrome and dexterity. The most important skills for a technician are patients, customer service, and patient care.
| Optical Technician | Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $36,908 | $38,045 |
| Hourly rate | $17.74 | $18.29 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 29,866 | 596,842 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 2 |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 32% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Average age | 44 | 40 |
| Years of experience | - | 2 |
Optical lab technicians, also known as ophthalmic laboratory technicians, create prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses. They work together with optometrists, opticians, and ophthalmologists. They received orders from optometrists and opticians to create prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses as per requirement. They also do the cutting, polishing, and grinding lenses as per prescription for products like microscopes, binoculars, or telescopes. They do their work by a computer program and automated tools to make the prescribed lenses before it is sent off to the customer.
Technicians are skilled professionals who primarily work with technology in different industries. They are knowledgeable about the technical aspects of the various items they work with. They are usually working with electricity or with technological advancements. Technicians may be assigned to do the construction of equipment or materials related to their field of study. They may also be assigned to conduct diagnostics and other maintenance activities to ensure that the equipment works properly. Technicians may also be required to conduct basic repairs in case of problems. It is important that technicians have good analytical skills and decision-making skills.
Optical technicians and technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Optical Technician | Technician | |
| Average salary | $36,908 | $38,045 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $54,000 | Between $24,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Hayward, CA | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | AMETEK | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between an optical technician and a technician in terms of educational background:
| Optical Technician | Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 32% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | University of Minnesota - Twin Cities | - |
Here are the differences between optical technicians' and technicians' demographics:
| Optical Technician | Technician | |
| Average age | 44 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 36.8% Female, 63.2% | Male, 75.2% Female, 24.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.5% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 18.9% Asian, 9.1% White, 62.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 9.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 4.9% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 13% | 2% |