Explore Careers
Opticians
What do Opticians do in the Military?
Where do Opticians work?
Opticians normally work in optometric clinics.
How much do they make?
Median Military Salary
This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.
Note that the median salary does not include bonuses, special pays, health or dental benefits — which are a standard part of military compensation.
This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.
Note that the median salary does not include bonuses, special pays, health or dental benefits — which are a standard part of military compensation.
$90,960
Military Salary Range
This is the range based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location.
Note that the median salary does not include bonuses, special pays, health or dental benefits — which are a standard part of military compensation.
This is the range based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location.
Note that the median salary does not include bonuses, special pays, health or dental benefits — which are a standard part of military compensation.
$24,947 - $356,274
How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary
Base pay is the standard income you'll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.
- Set based on rank and years of service.
- Paid every month.
Allowances are additional payments to help cover living expenses like housing and food.
- Tax-free payments.
- Varies by location and family status.
Special pay provides extra compensation for unique skills, hazardous duties, or challenging assignments.
- Based on specialized roles.
- Varies by position and duty.
What training do Opticians gain in the Military?
All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Opticians in the Military will gain skills through classroom study and on-the-job experience. Job-specific training content may include:
- Preparing and fitting glasses and contact lenses
- Vision testing
- Maintenance of optometric instruments
- Patient care
- Knowledge of ophthalmic optics, ocular anatomy, and physiology
- Comprehension of optical laboratory supply and administration
- Understanding of optical laboratory procedures
Military Training for Officers
Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree. All officers complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development.
What skills help Opticians succeed?
- Ability to communicate effectively
- Interest in work requiring accuracy and attention to detail
What are possible career paths after the Military?
- Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians
- Ophthalmic Medical Technologists
- Opticians, Dispensing
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians
- Orthoptists
- Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric
- Optometrists
- Medical and Health Services Managers