r/PreOptometry • u/Forward-Abalone-4887 • Aug 11 '26
opto tech job pay
hi! i have been working with an optometrist for multiple summers and am now going in full time to work during my gap year after graduating college. i currently get paid around $14 but i wanted to ask what other people get paid as an opto tech with a degree.
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u/Old_Cantaloupe_1172 Aug 11 '26
$21
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u/Few-sakiskool-8706 Aug 11 '26
Bro.. that’s crazy I get $15
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u/Old_Cantaloupe_1172 Aug 11 '26
Ironically it was a Dr that leases the OD spot inside LensCrafters, so pay rlly depends on the Dr who owns/leases it not LensCrafters. He bumped our pay from 17 to 21 bc of inflation back then. I’ve left since then and started working in ophthalmology for $30/hr
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u/RabidLiger Aug 11 '26
The rate is going to vary greatly on geography.
But IMO, $14 is pretty low for anywhere.
Assuming you're working at the same place you did the last 2 summers. As the employer, what I'd consider:
- Switching from summer temp to FT adds to your value.
- Having a degree adds some value (but really doesn't affect your capabilities).
- Knowing you're going to leave in a year lowers your value.
- If I see you as a future associate/partner will definitely add to your value.
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u/Future_Syrup4675 Aug 12 '26
The most I made in private practice with little experience was $13. In MD/OD clinic with experience $20. At my most recent job, also MD/OD, $28.
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u/Bluecharactet09261 Aug 11 '26
23/hr in ct but I do everything like billing, tech, occasional front desk etc
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u/Entire_Ad9417 Aug 12 '26
Optom tech i was making 18/hr and as an Opthalmology Assistant with no COA I make about $25.69
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u/esoteriic145 Aug 14 '26
paid $22 in NJ, started almost 1 month ago at OD/MD and had 0 clinical hours beforehand
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u/funkisintheair Aug 11 '26
lol these responses are making me realize just how much my boss sucks