Average Ophthalmic Medical Technicians Salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
The average salary for a Ophthalmic Medical Technicians in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $48,400. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market. Notably, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 1.33x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $48,400 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,100.
- Outlook: The current demand for Ophthalmic Medical Technicianss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 70 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Ophthalmic Medical Technicians in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA earns+7.1%above the national average.
$23.3
$931
$4,033
Ophthalmic Medical Technicians Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Ophthalmic Medical Technicians salaries in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA have shown healthy growth of 11.3%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Ophthalmic Medical Technicians Salary Distribution in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
The earning potential for Ophthalmic Medical Technicianss in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $40,680, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $58,100.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $40,680 | $19.6 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $36,300 | $17.5 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $46,830 | $22.5 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $60,500 | $29.1 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $58,100 | $27.9 |
Detailed Ophthalmic Medical Technicians Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$48,400
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$48,400
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $48,400 to $48,400.
Job Market Context
70
Total Jobs
0.66
Per 1K Jobs
1.33
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.33, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Ophthalmic Medical Technicians roles compared to the national norm.
70 people work as Ophthalmic Medical Technicians in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA.
Only 0.66 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Ophthalmic Medical Technicians roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Ophthalmic Medical Technicians
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Ophthalmic Medical Technicians Salary | $62,720↑ 30% | 26 mi |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA Ophthalmic Medical Technicians Salary | $66,230↑ 37% | 58 mi |
| Vallejo, CA Ophthalmic Medical Technicians Salary | $73,950↑ 53% | 79 mi |
Comparing salaries near Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Hiring Ophthalmic Medical Technicianss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Ophthalmic Medical Technicians make in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
The median annual salary for a Ophthalmic Medical Technicians in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $48,400. This typically ranges from $40,680 for entry-level positions to $58,100 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is 7.1% higher than the national median of $45,200.
Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a good place for Ophthalmic Medical Technicianss?
Yes, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is an excellent location for Ophthalmic Medical Technicianss. It offers both higher-than-average salaries ($48,400) and a high concentration of job opportunities. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a good place to live for Ophthalmic Medical Technicians?
The Cost of Living Index in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($62,720) and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 70 employees in the Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA area with a job density of 0.66 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 Medical Technicians • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA