Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians vs. First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers: Who Earns More?
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers out-earn Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians by $35K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians land at $39,460 and First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers at $74,450. The education gap is real: ophthalmic laboratory technician programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while first-line supervisors of production and operating worker programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians is Connecticut ($62,410); for First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers it's Wyoming ($90,390).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians or First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers?
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers earn more nationally. The median is $39,460 for Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians versus $74,450 for First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers, a difference of $35K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians or First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers?
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians has the better 10-year outlook at 2.3% projected growth, compared to 1.2% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians or First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers?
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers requires high school diploma or equivalent. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians get paid the most?
Connecticut is the top-paying state for Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians at $62,410/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians vs. First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Connecticut, Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians earn $62,410 vs. $83,150 for First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.