Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions at Hillsborough Community College
serving 19,998 students in Tampa, FL.
Program Analysis
At $48,106 per year, Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions graduates from Hillsborough Community College significantly outpace the $35,459 national average for this trade, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.
With a 100.9x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 1% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.
The median debt load of $12,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.
Hillsborough Community College ranks #3 among 17 Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
For students considering alternatives, 2 registered apprenticeship programs align with Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions careers — offering paid training instead of tuition costs.
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 →