Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions at Essex County College
with a mid-sized student body of 5,643 in Newark, NJ.
Program Analysis
Essex County College's Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions graduates start at $37,740/yr — above the $35,459 national average, though not by a wide margin.
The 37.1x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 31% task exposure — and the 1% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions graduates.
Ranked #4 out of 17 programs, Essex County College's Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.
Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions connects to 2 apprenticeship options. The earn-while-you-learn model can be a strong alternative or complement to a certificate program.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions 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% |
About Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions Careers
Your career in eye care will place you in one of two key settings. As an ophthalmic medical technician, you’ll work in a fast-paced clinic, directly assisting an ophthalmologist. Your day will involve using diagnostic tools like tonometers to check eye pressure, conducting vision tests, and preparing patients for exams. Alternatively, as a dispensing optician, you’ll be in a retail environment, helping customers find the perfect frames and lenses. You'll use a lensometer to verify prescriptions and make precise, hands-on adjustments for a comfortable fit.
Read the full Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions career guide →