Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician Salary in Tennessee (2026)

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Tennessee Median
$37,370
per year
Hourly Rate
$17.97
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-5% vs US median
US median $39,460
State Rank
#28 of 40
130 employed here

How much does an Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician make in Tennessee?

An Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician working in Tennessee earns a median salary of $37,370 per year, or about $17.97 per hour. That is 5% below the national median of $39,460 for this occupation.

Within Tennessee, entry-level pay starts around $33,880 while the top 10% make $51,750 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $36,430 and $41,140 a year.

Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician salary range in Tennessee

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$33,880$16.29
25th percentile (early career)$36,430$17.51
50th percentile (median)$37,370$17.97
75th percentile (experienced)$41,140$19.78
90th percentile (top earners)$51,750$24.88

How Tennessee compares

Tennessee ranks 28th 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 Tennessee

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 Tennessee pay ($37,370) 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 Tennessee?
The median Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician salary in Tennessee is $37,370 per year, or about $17.97 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $33,880 at the entry level to $51,750 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Tennessee pay compare to the national average?
Tennessee pays Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians about 5% less than the national median of $39,460. Tennessee ranks 28th out of 40 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Tennessee a good state for Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $37,370 a year. About 130 Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians are employed in Tennessee. 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 Tennessee?
The highest-paying occupations in Tennessee include Cardiologist ($610,080), Dermatologist ($433,630), Surgeon, All Other ($373,510), 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.