SOC 51-9083
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians
Risk Score
⚠️58/100
Elevated
US Employment
👥18,740
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$38K
$31K – $55K
Projected Growth
📈+2.3%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖10/100
Low exposure
💡 Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians face a risk score of 58/100 — 14 points above the national average of 44. With only 10/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology →
💡 Workers in this field earn $38K. The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths →
🔍 AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 58/100, Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 18,740 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in handling non-standard materials and configurations and setup and calibration of custom production runs to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths →
⚠️ Top Risk Factors
Industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks
AI quality inspection via computer vision systems
Cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks
Automated CNC programming and machine operation
🛡️ Tasks Safe from Automation
Handling non-standard materials and configurations
Setup and calibration of custom production runs
Coordinating workflow across diverse production teams
Troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions
📊 vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
🔄 Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineers | 20 | $106K | 61% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 51% |
| Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers | 33 | $68K | 80% |