Ophthalmic Medical Technician salary in Columbia, MO
Ophthalmic Medical Technicians in the Columbia, MO metro area earn a median of $43,300 a year ($20.82 an hour), based on BLS data for 40 workers.
Pay ranges from $35,640 for the lowest-paid 10% to $55,640 for the top 10%. That is 5% lower than the national median of $45,570. Pay here is 7% higher than the Missouri statewide median of $40,290. There are 0.40 ophthalmic medical technicians per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $45,780, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for ophthalmic medical technicians in Columbia, MO
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $35,640 | $17.14 |
| 25th percentile | $36,890 | $17.73 |
| Median | $43,300 | $20.82 |
| 75th percentile | $55,640 | $26.75 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $55,640 | $26.75 |
| Average (mean) | $45,780 | $22.01 |
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 | $3,608.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,804.17 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,665.38 |
| Weekly | $832.69 |
| Hourly | $20.82 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Ophthalmic Medical Technician salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $43,700 | 500 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $39,440 | 530 |
| Springfield, MO | $38,900 | 170 |
| Joplin, MO-KS | $36,680 | 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 Missouri statewide figures.
Related jobs in Columbia, MO
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | $61,670 | $29.65 |
| Pharmacy Technician | $37,750 | $18.15 |
| Medical Records Specialist | $60,960 | $29.31 |
| Psychiatric Technician | $43,170 | $20.75 |
| Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians | $67,400 | $32.41 |
| Radiologic Technologists and Technicians | $69,170 | $33.26 |
| Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other | $47,640 | $22.91 |
| Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | $44,810 | $21.54 |
| Emergency Medical Technician | $43,980 | $21.14 |
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist | $76,930 | $36.99 |
| Opticians, Dispensing | $36,600 | $17.60 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | $88,540 | $42.57 |
| Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians | $64,590 | $31.05 |
| Registered Nurse | $84,330 | $40.54 |
More: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations · all salaries in Columbia, MO
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 Columbia, MO?
The median salary for ophthalmic medical technicians in the Columbia, MO metro area is $43,300 a year, or $20.82 an hour. Pay ranges from $35,640 for the lowest-paid 10% to $55,640 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid ophthalmic medical technicians make in Columbia, MO?
The top 10% of ophthalmic medical technicians in the Columbia, MO metro area earn at least $55,640 a year. The top 25% earn $55,640 or more.
What is the starting pay for ophthalmic medical technicians in Columbia, MO?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $35,640 a year, and a quarter of ophthalmic medical technicians earn $36,890 or less.
How many ophthalmic medical technicians work in Columbia, MO?
About 40 ophthalmic medical technicians are employed in the Columbia, MO metro area, not counting the self-employed.