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Ophthalmic & Optometric Services at Essex County College

Newark, NJ · Public · Associate Degree · Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions

with a mid-sized student body of 5,643 in Newark, NJ.

Program Analysis

Essex County College's Ophthalmic & Optometric Services 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 & Optometric Services graduates.

Ranked #4 out of 17 programs, Essex County College's Ophthalmic & Optometric Services program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

Ophthalmic & Optometric Services connects to 2 apprenticeship options. The earn-while-you-learn model can be a strong alternative or complement to a certificate program.

50 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
47
Low End
50
Score
50
High End
Earnings $37,740/yr (6% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (69% shielded)
Job Market Medium (19,300 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$397K
1.1% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
37.2x
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)
$10,692
Out-of-state: $18,636

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

See the full career breakdown for Ophthalmic & Optometric Services — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Essex County College and 16 other schools.

Read the full Ophthalmic & Optometric Services career guide →

Compare & Explore

Ophthalmic & Optometric Services Overview

View all 17 schools offering Ophthalmic & Optometric Services →

Ophthalmic & Optometric Services at Other Schools

Durham Technical Community College ($61,860) Miami Dade College ($57,932) Hillsborough Community College ($48,106) Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology ($44,504) Goodwin University ($41,025) Triton College ($34,697) Roane State Community College ($33,853) American Career College-Ontario ($32,524)

Other Majors at Essex County College

Nursing ($70,500) Practical Nursing ($62,448) Medical Assisting ($54,592) Business Administration ($32,638) Criminal Justice ($31,908) Accounting ($29,026) Liberal Arts & Humanities ($25,792) Teacher Education ($23,768)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 50/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Ophthalmic & Optometric Services at Essex County College?
At 50/100, Essex County College's Ophthalmic & Optometric Services program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Why does Essex County College rank so high for Ophthalmic & Optometric Services?
The #4 ranking out of 17 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
Are there apprenticeship options for Ophthalmic & Optometric Services?
There are 2 registered apprenticeships connected to Ophthalmic & Optometric Services occupations, such as Ophthalmic Dispen Opt/Contact Lens and Optician Dispensing. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →