Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians vs. Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators: Who Earns More?
Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators out-earn Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians by $5K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians land at $39,460 and Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators at $44,650. The education gap is real: ophthalmic laboratory technician programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while miscellaneous assemblers and fabricator programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians is Connecticut ($62,410); for Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators it's District of Columbia ($50,330).
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 Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators?
Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators earn more nationally. The median is $39,460 for Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians versus $44,650 for Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators, a difference of $5K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians or Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators?
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians has the better 10-year outlook at 2.3% projected growth, compared to -0.1% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians or Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators?
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators 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. Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In New Hampshire, Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians earn $59,460 vs. $46,940 for Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.