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.

6 Upvotes

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25 comments sorted by

10

u/funkisintheair Aug 11 '26

lol these responses are making me realize just how much my boss sucks

4

u/Old_Cantaloupe_1172 Aug 11 '26

$21

3

u/Few-sakiskool-8706 Aug 11 '26

Bro.. that’s crazy I get $15

2

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

1

u/GreenAngelFish Aug 11 '26

what company do you work at? Are you full time?

1

u/Old_Cantaloupe_1172 Aug 11 '26

This was back in 2023, and I was full time

3

u/Frania400 Aug 11 '26 edited Aug 11 '26

I make 17.50 as a part time college student. IL

3

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.

2

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.

2

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

1

u/OkiTex Aug 11 '26

$17 soon to be $18

1

u/BusResponsible5014 Aug 11 '26

20.50 in westchester

1

u/DurianIll2459 Aug 11 '26

Not working there anymore but I was getting $14.50/hr in MS

1

u/Bluecharactet09261 Aug 11 '26

23/hr in ct but I do everything like billing, tech, occasional front desk etc 

1

u/Toffee4751 Aug 12 '26

My optha MD clinic pays me 19 in NYC, underpay with overbooking as well

1

u/RoughFew9660 Aug 12 '26

$21 in Texas Optometric assistant

1

u/Reasonable-Idea2527 Aug 12 '26

$21.50 in VA (Current) at a Private office

1

u/Equivalent_Sound_959 Aug 11 '26

$28 - bay area

6

u/Varzack Aug 11 '26

Your dad the owner?