Ophthalmic & Optometric Services at Durham Technical Community College

Durham, NC · Public · Associate Degree · Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions

a smaller institution with 3,195 students in Durham, NC.

Program Analysis

Graduates of Durham Technical Community College's Ophthalmic & Optometric Services program earn $61,860/yr in their first year — 74% above the $35,459 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

With a 163.7x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 1% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Ophthalmic & Optometric Services career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

At #1 of 17 programs, this Ophthalmic & Optometric Services program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

For students considering alternatives, 2 registered apprenticeship programs align with Ophthalmic & Optometric Services careers — offering paid training instead of tuition costs.

72 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
68
Low End
72
Score
73
High End
Earnings $61,860/yr (74% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (69% shielded)
Job Market Medium (19,300 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$651K
1.1% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
163.9x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
2 of 2
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$3,972
Out-of-state: $13,188

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Ophthalmic & Optometric Services graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Opticians, dispensing $46,560 +2.9% 71%
Ophthalmic medical technicians $44,080 +19.8% 67%
Opticians, dispensing
$46,560
+2.9% growth 71% AI-proof
Ophthalmic medical technicians
$44,080
+19.8% growth 67% AI-proof

Ophthalmic & Optometric Services Career Guide

Ophthalmic & Optometric Services opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Ophthalmic & Optometric Services career guide →

Compare & Explore

Ophthalmic & Optometric Services Overview

Ophthalmic & Optometric Services at Other Schools

Other Majors at Durham Technical Community College

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Ophthalmic & Optometric Services at Durham Technical Community College?
At 72/100, this is a high-performing trade program. The TradeSchoolOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Ophthalmic & Optometric Services graduates?
Beyond Durham Technical Community College's classroom route, 2 registered apprenticeships map to Ophthalmic & Optometric Services careers — including Ophthalmic Dispen Opt/Contact Lens. Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →