Average Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians Salary in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL area earn an average annual salary of $38,190. This figure is slightly below the national average of $41,650, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a higher concentration of entry-level positions influence compensation. The cost of living in Tampa is on par with the national average, making this salary's purchasing power comparable to other regions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $38,190 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 6.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,050.
- Outlook: The Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater region supports a local workforce of 430 Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians. With a Location Quotient of 2.46, this indicates a significantly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing demand for their specialized skills within the local healthcare and optical industries.
Salary Overview
The average Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL earns-8.3%below the national average.
$18.4
$734
$3,183
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Tampa is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians nationwide have seen a steady upward trend over the past four years, driven by inflation, increasing demand for vision care, and advancements in optical technology. This growth likely extends to the Tampa market, reflecting broader economic and industry-specific factors.
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians Salary Distribution in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
Career progression for Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level technicians might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while those with several years of experience and specialized skills can command higher salaries, potentially reaching into the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $31,970 | $15.4 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $28,643 | $13.8 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $36,450 | $17.5 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $47,738 | $23 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $47,050 | $22.6 |
Detailed Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$38,190
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$38,190
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $38,190 for Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing for technicians in this metropolitan area.
Job Market Context
430
Total Jobs
0.299
Per 1K Jobs
2.46
Location Quotient
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL has 2.5x 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.
The Location Quotient of 2.46 for Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater signifies a market with a concentration more than double the national average. This suggests a highly specialized and potentially competitive job market, where employers may have a larger pool of local talent to draw from, but also indicates a strong presence and demand for these services within the region.
Nearby Job Markets
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians make in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL?
The median annual salary for a Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is $38,190. This typically ranges from $31,970 for entry-level positions to $47,050 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is 8.3% lower than the national median of $41,650.
Is Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL a lucrative place for Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicianss?
No, it is not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the local cost of living is average, the average salary of $38,190 is below the national average of $41,650. However, the high concentration of jobs (LQ of 2.46) suggests strong local demand.
Is Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL a good place to live for Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians?
The Cost of Living Index in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
How does the Tampa salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians in Tampa is $38,190, which is $3,460 lower than the national average of $41,650.
What does a Location Quotient of 2.46 mean for this role in Tampa?
A Location Quotient of 2.46 indicates that Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians are significantly more concentrated in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area than the national average, suggesting a higher demand or a more specialized local industry for this profession.
Is the cost of living in Tampa a factor in the salary?
The cost of living in Tampa is exactly at the national average (100). This means the $38,190 salary has average purchasing power, neither significantly boosted nor hindered by local living expenses compared to the rest of the country.
How many Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians work in the Tampa area?
There are approximately 430 Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians employed in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 430 employees in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL area with a job density of 0.299 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 Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL