Ophthalmic & Optometric Services at Erie Community College

Buffalo, NY · Public · Associate Degree · Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions

with a mid-sized student body of 5,906 in Buffalo, NY.

Program Analysis

At $26,746 per year, Ophthalmic & Optometric Services graduates from Erie Community College earn below the $35,459 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 23.0x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Ophthalmic & Optometric Services programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Ophthalmic & Optometric Services's career paths, with 31% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 1% gap from the optimistic case.

Ranked #16 of 17 Ophthalmic & Optometric Services programs, Erie Community College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

There are 2 registered apprenticeship pathways mapped to Ophthalmic & Optometric Services, including Ophthalmic Dispen Opt/Contact Lens (median $46,560/yr). Apprenticeships offer an alternative route that combines paid work with structured training.

38 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
35
Low End
38
Score
39
High End
Earnings $26,746/yr (-25% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (69% shielded)
Job Market Medium (19,300 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$282K
1.1% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
23.1x
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)
$12,200
Out-of-state: $22,600

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

What can you do with a Ophthalmic & Optometric Services credential from Erie Community College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Ophthalmic & Optometric Services career guide →

Compare & Explore

Ophthalmic & Optometric Services Overview

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Ophthalmic & Optometric Services at Erie Community College?
This program scores 38/100 — on the lower end for Ophthalmic & Optometric Services. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Can you still earn well with Ophthalmic & Optometric Services from Erie Community College?
Starting salary is one data point. If Erie Community College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Can I learn Ophthalmic & Optometric Services through an apprenticeship instead of Erie Community College?
The DOL recognizes 2 apprenticeship pathways related to Ophthalmic & Optometric Services. For students weighing Erie Community College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →