Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA make a median of $49,180 a year, or about $23.64 an hour. The range runs from $40K at the entry level to $69K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 111.13), so that salary is closer to $44,254 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,501/month — about 70.7% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $49K get you in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
About ophthalmic laboratory technicians
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Entry-level ophthalmic laboratory technicians (10th percentile) start around $40K. Mid-career wages sit at $49K.Top earners bring in $69K or more - a $29K spread from bottom to top.
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | $61K | +58% | 200 |
| Idaho | $51K | +32% | 60 |
| California | $49K | +29% | 1,470 |
| Washington | $48K | +25% | 280 |
| Michigan | $47K | +23% | 260 |
| Maryland | $46K | +19% | 330 |
| Oregon | $46K | +19% | 220 |
| New Hampshire | $44K | +16% | 140 |
| Wisconsin | $44K | +15% | 270 |
| Georgia | $44K | +15% | 1,040 |
| Arizona | $43K | +12% | 240 |
| Massachusetts | $43K | +11% | N/A |
| Ohio | $43K | +11% | 220 |
| Nebraska | $41K | +6% | N/A |
| Minnesota | $41K | +5% | 1,020 |
Track ophthalmic laboratory technicians salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do ophthalmic laboratory technicians make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The median is $49,180 a year - that works out to about $23.64 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $40,030, and experienced ophthalmic laboratory technicians can clear $68,660. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $49K enough to live in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,463/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,501/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 72.2% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a ophthalmic laboratory technicians salary go in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue has a Regional Price Parity of 111.13 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median ophthalmic laboratory technicians salary is worth about $44,254 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do ophthalmic laboratory technicians get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.