Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV make a median of $47,100 a year, or about $22.64 an hour. The range runs from $38K at the entry level to $69K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.88), so that salary is closer to $43,259 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,246/month — about 69.1% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $47K get you in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
About ophthalmic laboratory technicians
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Entry-level ophthalmic laboratory technicians (10th percentile) start around $38K. Mid-career wages sit at $47K.Top earners bring in $69K or more - a $31K 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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do ophthalmic laboratory technicians make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median is $47,100 a year - that works out to about $22.64 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $38,070, and experienced ophthalmic laboratory technicians can clear $68,810. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $47K enough to live in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,178/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,246/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 70.7% 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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria has a Regional Price Parity of 108.88 (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 $43,259 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.