Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician Salary in Illinois (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians in Illinois, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Illinois Median
$36,840
per year
Hourly Rate
$17.71
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-7% vs US median
US median $39,460
State Rank
#34 of 40
830 employed here

How much does an Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician make in Illinois?

An Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician working in Illinois earns a median salary of $36,840 per year, or about $17.71 per hour. That is 7% below the national median of $39,460 for this occupation.

Within Illinois, entry-level pay starts around $35,300 while the top 10% make $47,990 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $35,980 and $41,690 a year.

Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician salary range in Illinois

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$35,300$16.97
25th percentile (early career)$35,980$17.30
50th percentile (median)$36,840$17.71
75th percentile (experienced)$41,690$20.04
90th percentile (top earners)$47,990$23.07

How Illinois compares

Illinois ranks 34th out of 40 states and territories for Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Connecticut$62,410
2New Hampshire$59,460
3Washington$49,230
4Colorado$48,540
5Rhode Island$47,440

Working as an Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician in Illinois

Nationally, about 19,000 people work as Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare Illinois pay ($36,840) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does an Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician make in Illinois?
The median Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician salary in Illinois is $36,840 per year, or about $17.71 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $35,300 at the entry level to $47,990 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Illinois pay compare to the national average?
Illinois pays Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians about 7% less than the national median of $39,460. Illinois ranks 34th out of 40 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Illinois a good state for Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $36,840 a year. About 830 Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians are employed in Illinois. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Illinois?
The highest-paying occupations in Illinois include Cardiologist ($517,850), Surgeon, All Other ($438,010), Dermatologist ($435,750), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.