Ophthalmic Medical Technicians in West Virginia
Want to work as an Ophthalmic Medical Technicians in West Virginia? Below are the key facts. 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.
What do Ophthalmic Medical Technicians Make in West Virginia?
The ophthalmic medical technicians working in West Virginia, wages run about $41,600 per year (or roughly $20.00/hour).Pay can range from $31,580 at the 10th percentile to $47,600 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $31,580 | $15.19 |
| 25th percentile | $33,980 | $16.34 |
| Median (50th) | $41,600 | $20.00 |
| 75th percentile | $45,930 | $22.08 |
| 90th percentile | $47,600 | $22.89 |
The job concentration index in West Virginia relative to the national average — is 0.77, indicating fewer ophthalmic medical technicians per worker than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, ophthalmic medical technicians earn a median of $51,958 per year ($24.98/hour), below the West Virginia median.
Employment Outlook
National employment for 634,631 ophthalmic medical technicians across the United States. In West Virginia alone, around 270 people work in this role. That’s below the typical state, which employs around 990 ophthalmic medical technicians.
Top West Virginia Metros for Ophthalmic Medical Technicians
The largest metro-area employers of ophthalmic medical technicians in West Virginia.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | 70 | $35,810 |
Top States for Ophthalmic Medical Technicians Employment
These states have the highest employment of ophthalmic medical technicians work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| Florida | 7,160 |
| Texas | 6,980 |
| New York | 6,260 |
| California | 4,090 |
| Massachusetts | 3,430 |
| Pennsylvania | 3,230 |
| Ohio | 3,040 |
| Tennessee | 2,300 |
| Virginia | 2,250 |
| Illinois | 2,210 |
| Michigan | 2,180 |
| Arizona | 2,080 |
| North Carolina | 2,000 |
| Kentucky | 1,830 |
| New Jersey | 1,760 |
| Georgia | 1,690 |
| Indiana | 1,660 |
| South Carolina | 1,650 |
| Colorado | 1,580 |
| Maryland | 1,550 |
Highest-Paying States for Ophthalmic Medical Technicians
These states pay the most for ophthalmic medical technicians.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Minnesota | $60,810 |
| Wisconsin | $50,660 |
| Vermont | $49,080 |
| Washington | $48,960 |
| Oregon | $48,730 |
| Connecticut | $48,520 |
| California | $47,940 |
| Maryland | $47,490 |
| New Jersey | $47,460 |
| Massachusetts | $47,450 |
Skills
Key ophthalmic medical technicians skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Key knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Top abilities for ophthalmic medical technicians, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Common tasks include:
- Take and document patients' medical histories.
- Conduct tonometry or tonography tests to measure intraocular pressure.
- Operate ophthalmic equipment, such as autorefractors, phoropters, tomographs, or retinoscopes.
- Take anatomical or functional ocular measurements of the eye or surrounding tissue, such as axial length measurements.
- Measure visual acuity, including near, distance, pinhole, or dynamic visual acuity, using appropriate tests.
- Measure and record lens power, using lensometers.
- Administer topical ophthalmic or oral medications.
- Conduct visual field tests to measure field of vision.
- Assist physicians in performing ophthalmic procedures, including surgery.
- Measure corneal curvature with keratometers or ophthalmometers to aid in the diagnosis of conditions, such as astigmatism.
- Conduct ocular motility tests to measure function of eye muscles.
- Clean or sterilize ophthalmic or surgical instruments.
Work Activities
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
- Getting Information
- Assisting and Caring for Others
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Working with Computers
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Training and Teaching Others
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Processing Information
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Tools & Technology
Common tools and software used in this occupation include: Hot technologies: Microsoft Excel
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Several college majors map to this occupation:
- Optometric Support Services
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Related occupations to ophthalmic medical technicians include:
- Optometrists
- Anesthesiologist Assistants
- Radiation Therapists
- Respiratory Therapists
- Anesthesiologists
- Cardiologists
Also Known As
Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technician (Certified Ophthalmic Medical Tech), Certified Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant, Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT), Certified Ophthalmic Technician-Surgical Assistant (COT-SA), Certified Retinal Angiographer, Eyecare Advisor, Health Technician (Health Tech), Medical Technician (Medical Tech), Ocular Care Technician (Ocular Care Tech), Ocular Care Technologist, Ophthalmic Aide, Ophthalmic Assistant, Ophthalmic Diagnostic Sonographer, Ophthalmic Medical Assistant, Ophthalmic Medical Technician (Ophthalmic Medical Tech).
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 29-2057.00