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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Ophthalmic Medical Technicians salary in San Diego, California

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the San Diego metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$42,350
Mean annual$46,200
Range (10th to 90th)$36,360 to $58,370
San Diego, California employment360
State vs national-2.6% vs national

Salary distribution

Where San Diego ophthalmic medical technicians fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$36,36025TH$37,650MEDIAN$42,35075TH$47,84090TH$58,370

The middle 50% of workers earn between $37,650 and $47,840, with a median of $42,350.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Postsecondary nondegree

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Customer and Personal Service

    Knowledge

    4.3 / 5

  • Medicine and Dentistry

    Knowledge

    4.2 / 5

  • English Language

    Knowledge

    4.0 / 5

  • Oral Expression

    Ability

    3.9 / 5

  • Oral Comprehension

    Ability

    3.9 / 5

  • Near Vision

    Ability

    3.9 / 5

  • Active Listening

    Basic skill

    3.6 / 5

  • Speech Clarity

    Ability

    3.6 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Take and document patients' medical histories.

  2. 02

    Conduct tonometry or tonography tests to measure intraocular pressure.

  3. 03

    Operate ophthalmic equipment, such as autorefractors, phoropters, tomographs, or retinoscopes.

  4. 04

    Take anatomical or functional ocular measurements of the eye or surrounding tissue, such as axial length measurements.

  5. 05

    Measure visual acuity, including near, distance, pinhole, or dynamic visual acuity, using appropriate tests.

  6. 06

    Measure and record lens power, using lensometers.

  7. 07

    Administer topical ophthalmic or oral medications.

  8. 08

    Conduct visual field tests to measure field of vision.

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Other metros in California

How the San Diego metro compares to other major California metro areas for ophthalmic medical technicians.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Ophthalmic Medical Technicians in San Diego, California?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Ophthalmic Medical Technicians in the San Diego metropolitan area is $42,350.
Does San Diego pay more than the California state average for Ophthalmic Medical Technicians?
The San Diego metro median is -11.7% versus the California state median of $47,940.
How does San Diego compare to the national median for Ophthalmic Medical Technicians?
The San Diego metro median is -2.6% versus the BLS national figure of $43,467.
What is the salary range for Ophthalmic Medical Technicians in San Diego?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $36,360 and the 90th-percentile at $58,370 for the San Diego metro area.
What education is required for Ophthalmic Medical Technicians?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Postsecondary nondegree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Diego CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.