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Job outlook for optical technicians in the United States
Optical technician job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected optical technician job growth rate is 4% from 2018-2028.
About 2,800 new jobs for optical technicians are projected over the next decade.
Optical technician salaries have increased 8% for optical technicians in the last 5 years.
There are over 12,946 optical technicians currently employed in the United States.
There are 29,866 active optical technician job openings in the US.
The average optical technician salary is $36,908.
Are optical technician jobs in demand?
Optical technician job and salary trends over time
Optical technician jobs over time
Optical technician job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 12,946 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 12,046 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 12,780 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 12,765 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 13,331 | 0.00% |
Average optical technician salary over time
Optical technician salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $36,908 | $17.74 | +1.8% |
| 2025 | $36,247 | $17.43 | +2.2% |
| 2024 | $35,452 | $17.04 | +2.1% |
| 2023 | $34,724 | $16.69 | +2.0% |
| 2022 | $34,034 | $16.36 | +2.0% |
Optical technician jobs by state
Most common states for optical technicians
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | 739,795 | 94 | 13% |
| 2 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 153 | 11% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 686 | 10% |
| 4 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 340 | 9% |
| 5 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 439 | 8% |
| 6 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 438 | 8% |
| 7 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 236 | 8% |
| 8 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 108 | 8% |
| 9 | Delaware | 961,939 | 79 | 8% |
| 10 | Vermont | 623,657 | 53 | 8% |
| 11 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 722 | 7% |
| 12 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 698 | 7% |
| 13 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 662 | 7% |
| 14 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 413 | 7% |
| 15 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 125 | 7% |
| 16 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 1,321 | 6% |
| 17 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 486 | 6% |
| 18 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 304 | 6% |
| 19 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 196 | 6% |
| 20 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 64 | 6% |
Most common cities for optical technicians
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Englewood | 1 | 3% | $36,375 |
| 2 | Gainesville | 1 | 3% | $29,081 |
| 3 | Kennesaw | 1 | 3% | $29,059 |
| 4 | Richmond | 2 | 2% | $43,160 |
| 5 | Altamonte Springs | 1 | 2% | $35,419 |
| 6 | Apopka | 1 | 2% | $35,422 |
| 7 | Dublin | 1 | 2% | $43,003 |
| 8 | Orlando | 2 | 1% | $35,418 |
| 9 | Alafaya | 1 | 1% | $35,415 |
| 10 | Kissimmee | 1 | 1% | $35,422 |
Optical Technician job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of optical technician experts
Indiana University
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Optical Technician job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Todd Peabody: There was initially some concern and hesitation amongst hirers because of the uncertainty of the pandemic and the speed with which patients would resume seeking care but by the summer of 2020, that concern was abated as demand surged. We're seeing that practices are looking for job candidates who are comfortable with both engaging in full-scope optometric care and newer technology.