Ophthalmic Medical Technicians vs. Registered Nurses: Who Earns More?
Registered Nursess out-earn Ophthalmic Medical Technicianss by $52K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Ophthalmic Medical Technicianss land at $45,570 and Registered Nursess at $97,550. The education gap is real: ophthalmic medical technician programs typically require bachelor's degree, while registered nurse programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Ophthalmic Medical Technicianss is Minnesota ($63,080); for Registered Nursess it's California ($140,270).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Ophthalmic Medical Technicians median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Ophthalmic Medical Technicianss or Registered Nursess?
Registered Nursess earn more nationally. The median is $45,570 for Ophthalmic Medical Technicianss versus $97,550 for Registered Nursess, a difference of $52K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Ophthalmic Medical Technicians or Registered Nurses?
BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.
Which requires more education, Ophthalmic Medical Technicians or Registered Nurses?
Ophthalmic Medical Technicians typically requires bachelor's degree. Registered Nurses requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Ophthalmic Medical Technicianss get paid the most?
Minnesota is the top-paying state for Ophthalmic Medical Technicianss at $63,080/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Ophthalmic Medical Technicians vs. Registered Nurses pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Minnesota, Ophthalmic Medical Technicianss earn $63,080 vs. $101,510 for Registered Nursess. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.