Ophthalmic & Optometric Services at CUNY New York City College of Technology

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

CUNY New York City College of Technology accepts 81% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 12,950 students in Brooklyn, NY.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $29,187 place CUNY New York City College of Technology below the $35,459 national median for Ophthalmic & Optometric Services — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

The 21.3x 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 3% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Ophthalmic & Optometric Services graduates.

At #14 out of 17 programs, CUNY New York City College of Technology's financial outcomes for Ophthalmic & Optometric Services trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth is modest: $29,187 to $31,048 over five years (6% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

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.

40 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
36
Low End
40
Score
41
High End
Earnings $29,187/yr (-18% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (69% shielded)
Job Market Medium (19,300 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$313K
1.6% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
21.4x
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)
$14,664
Out-of-state: $30,564
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$31,048
6% growth from Year 1

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 CUNY New York City College of Technology and 16 other schools.

Read the full Ophthalmic & Optometric Services career guide →

Compare & Explore

Ophthalmic & Optometric Services Overview

Ophthalmic & Optometric Services at Other Schools

Other Majors at CUNY New York City College of Technology

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 40/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Ophthalmic & Optometric Services at CUNY New York City College of Technology?
This program scores 40/100 — on the lower end for Ophthalmic & Optometric Services. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why are Ophthalmic & Optometric Services earnings lower at CUNY New York City College of Technology?
Starting salary is one data point. If CUNY New York City College of Technology'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 CUNY New York City College of Technology?
The DOL recognizes 2 apprenticeship pathways related to Ophthalmic & Optometric Services. For students weighing CUNY New York City College of Technology'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 →