According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for Ophthalmic Medical Technicians is $41,120, while the average annual salary for Ophthalmologists is $270,090. This means that Ophthalmologists earn a much higher salary than Ophthalmic Medical Technicians.
However, salaries can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and the specific setting in which the employee works. For example, Ophthalmic Medical Technicians who work in Minnesota (with an average salary of $54,500) may earn more than those who work in Kentucky ($31,530).
Ophthalmic Medical Technicians vs Ophthalmologists overview
Ophthalmic Medical Technicians and Ophthalmologists are crucial to the Health Care Services industry. There is a general interest in understanding the differences between these job titles, including the average earnings for each of them.
Ophthalmic Medical Technician job description
Ophthalmic Medical Technicians assist ophthalmologists by performing ophthalmic clinical functions. May administer eye exams, administer eye medications, and instruct the patient in care and use of corrective lenses.
Ophthalmic Medical Technician education and experience
The majority of Ophthalmic Medical Technicians (59%) hold a High School Diploma. However, among employees in this occupation, there are also some with a Post-Secondary Certificate (27%) and an Associate's Degree (9%). With regard to experience, 41% of Ophthalmic Medical Technician jobs require a 1 to 2 years of work-related experience. A smaller part of jobs (27%) do not require any previous experience.
Ophthalmic Medical Technician average salary
According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of Ophthalmic Medical Technicians employed by the United States in 2021 was 65,700, and their average annual salary was $41,120. The bottom 10 percent had a salary of $28,910 or less, and the top 10 percent had a salary of $58,500 or more. The average salary has grown by 2.8% compared the previous year.
Do Ophthalmic Medical Technicians make good money?
Ophthalmic Medical Technicians salaries are often not as high as those in other fields, as their average salary is about a third lower than the average salary in the United States ($58,260). Moreover, they earn 42% less than the average pay of the Health Care Services industry ($70,360).
Ophthalmic Medical Technicians salaries are often not as high as those in other fields, as their average salary is about a third lower than the average salary in the United States ($58,260).
Ophthalmic Medical Technicians job growth
The employment of Ophthalmic Medical Technicians has increased over the past two years. In 2021, there have been 5,740 more roles than the previous year nationwide, which marks a growth of 9.6%. Over the past 3 years, job growth has averaged 7.6%.
Ophthalmologist job description
Alternative names: Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric
Ophthalmologists diagnose and perform surgery to treat and help prevent disorders and diseases of the eye. May also provide vision services for treatment including glasses and contacts.
Ophthalmologist education and experience
Of Ophthalmologists, 42% have completed a Post-Doctoral Training, 20% have a Doctoral Degree, and 14% hold a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate. Regarding experience, about a third of Ophthalmologist jobs require a 4 to 6 years of experience in the field. A smaller percentage of jobs (20%) require a previous experience of 2 to 4 years.
Ophthalmologist average salary
As stated by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the United States employed 11,610 Ophthalmologists in 2021, and the mean income they earned annually was $270,090. The bottom 10 percent had earnings of $100,940 or less, and the top 10 percent had earnings of $208,000 or more.
Do Ophthalmologists make good money?
Ophthalmologists are usually paid well, as their average salary is almost four times higher than the average wage in the United States ($58,260). Additionally, they earn almost three times more than the average wage of the Health Care Services industry ($70,360).
Ophthalmologists are usually paid well, as their average salary is almost four times higher than the average wage in the United States ($58,260).
FAQ
Do Ophthalmic Medical Technicians or Ophthalmologists make more?
Ophthalmologists earn 557% more than Ophthalmic Medical Technicians. The average annual pay for Ophthalmic Medical Technicians is $41,120, compared to $270,090 for Ophthalmologists.
How long does it take to become an Ophthalmic Medical Technician vs Ophthalmologist?
Ophthalmic Medical Technicians typically only need a High School Diploma. While on the other hand, Ophthalmologists typically need a Post-Doctoral Training. It usually takes between 9 months and 2 years to complete a Post-Doctoral Training. And, given that a Doctoral Degree is a prerequisite, it could take around 15 years to complete the full educational process.
Is it harder to become an Ophthalmic Medical Technician vs Ophthalmologist?
It is more difficult to become an Ophthalmologist than an Ophthalmic Medical Technician, since it takes 15 more years of education.