Average Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians Salary in St. Cloud, MN
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians in St. Cloud, MN, earn an average annual salary of $39,250. This figure is slightly below the national average of $41,650, indicating localized economic factors and demand influence compensation in this Minnesota city. The specific pay scale is often a reflection of the regional economic landscape and the concentration of related industries.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,250 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,960.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 550 Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians, St. Cloud presents a notable concentration of these professionals, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 43.43. This high quotient suggests a strong local demand and a specialized job market for ophthalmic lab technicians, indicating a robust environment for those in the field.
Salary Overview
The average Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians in St. Cloud, MN earns-5.8%below the national average.
$18.9
$755
$3,271
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for St. Cloud's Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries within specialized technical roles experience steady growth over time. Assuming a similar national trend, it's reasonable to infer that compensation for these technicians in St. Cloud has likely seen incremental increases over the past four years, driven by inflation and evolving industry demands.
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians Salary Distribution in St. Cloud, MN
The career trajectory for Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians typically involves salary increases with accumulated experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with advanced skills and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution. These percentile gaps are key indicators of career progression and earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $32,960 | $15.8 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $29,438 | $14.2 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $38,160 | $18.3 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $49,063 | $23.6 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $47,960 | $23.1 |
Detailed Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,250
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,250
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $39,250 in St. Cloud, MN, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician's salary in St. Cloud is comparable to that of a technician in a typical U.S. city, offering a stable financial standing without significant cost advantages or disadvantages.
Job Market Context
550
Total Jobs
5.279
Per 1K Jobs
43.43
Location Quotient
St. Cloud, MN has 43.4x the national concentration of Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
St. Cloud's Location Quotient of 43.43 for Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians signifies a highly concentrated market. This suggests that the demand for these specialized skills is significantly higher relative to the national average, potentially leading to greater job security and opportunities for skilled professionals within the local area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians Salary | $44,450↑ 13% | 59 mi |
Comparing salaries near St. Cloud, MN
Hiring Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicianss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians make in St. Cloud, MN?
The median annual salary for a Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians in St. Cloud, MN is $39,250. This typically ranges from $32,960 for entry-level positions to $47,960 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in St. Cloud, MN is 5.8% lower than the national median of $41,650.
Is St. Cloud, MN a lucrative place for Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicianss?
No, it is not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the cost of living is average, the nominal salary of $39,250 is below the national average of $41,650. The high concentration of jobs suggests strong local demand, but not necessarily higher pay.
Is St. Cloud, MN a good place to live for Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians?
The Cost of Living Index in St. Cloud, MN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near St. Cloud, MN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI ($44,450) and others.
What is the average salary for an Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician in St. Cloud, MN?
The average annual salary for an Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician in St. Cloud, MN is $39,250.
How does the St. Cloud salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in St. Cloud ($39,250) is slightly lower than the national average ($41,650).
What does the Location Quotient of 43.43 mean for this role in St. Cloud?
A Location Quotient of 43.43 indicates that Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians are significantly more concentrated in St. Cloud compared to the national average, suggesting a specialized and potentially robust local job market for this profession.
How does the Cost of Living in St. Cloud affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the $39,250 salary in St. Cloud offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning it is neither exceptionally high nor low in real terms.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 550 employees in the St. Cloud, MN area with a job density of 5.279 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in St. Cloud, MN