Ophthalmic Medical Technician salary in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
Ophthalmic Medical Technicians in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA metro area earn a median of $39,270 a year ($18.88 an hour), based on BLS data for this job.
Pay ranges from $39,270 for the lowest-paid 10% to $49,390 for the top 10%. That is 14% lower than the national median of $45,570. Pay here is 11% lower than the Iowa statewide median of $44,030. The average (mean) salary is $44,160, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for ophthalmic medical technicians in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $39,270 | $18.88 |
| 25th percentile | $39,270 | $18.88 |
| Median | $39,270 | $18.88 |
| 75th percentile | $49,390 | $23.74 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $49,390 | $23.74 |
| Average (mean) | $44,160 | $21.23 |
Half of ophthalmic medical technicians earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $3,272.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,636.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,510.38 |
| Weekly | $755.19 |
| Hourly | $18.88 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $39,270 salary, see how much house you can afford in Iowa at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Ophthalmic Medical Technician salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $48,680 | n/a |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $48,570 | 170 |
| Omaha, NE-IA | $47,270 | 220 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $45,610 | 90 |
| Iowa City, IA | $42,730 | 30 |
Highest-paying states for ophthalmic medical technicians
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Minnesota | $63,080 |
| Hawaii | $58,240 |
| Wisconsin | $56,420 |
| California | $54,490 |
| District of Columbia | $50,790 |
| Vermont | $50,090 |
| Maryland | $50,070 |
| Oregon | $50,020 |
| Alaska | $49,970 |
| Massachusetts | $49,750 |
See Ophthalmic Medical Technician pay in every state or the Iowa statewide figures.
Related jobs in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | $59,950 | $28.82 |
| Pharmacy Technician | $40,950 | $19.69 |
| Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians | $47,800 | $22.98 |
| Radiologic Technologists and Technicians | $64,370 | $30.95 |
| Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other | $46,570 | $22.39 |
| Medical Records Specialist | $47,680 | $22.92 |
| Emergency Medical Technician | $43,500 | $20.91 |
| Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | $45,210 | $21.74 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | $80,620 | $38.76 |
| Paramedic | $62,350 | $29.98 |
| Surgical Technologist | $59,910 | $28.80 |
| Opticians, Dispensing | $44,930 | $21.60 |
| Registered Nurse | $76,920 | $36.98 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $126,330 | $60.73 |
More: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations · all salaries in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 29-2057. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a ophthalmic medical technician make in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
The median salary for ophthalmic medical technicians in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA metro area is $39,270 a year, or $18.88 an hour. Pay ranges from $39,270 for the lowest-paid 10% to $49,390 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid ophthalmic medical technicians make in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
The top 10% of ophthalmic medical technicians in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA metro area earn at least $49,390 a year. The top 25% earn $49,390 or more.
What is the starting pay for ophthalmic medical technicians in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $39,270 a year, and a quarter of ophthalmic medical technicians earn $39,270 or less.