ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Optical Apprentice Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Essilor

Target Optical - Apprentice Optician

Toledo, OH

$15.50 - $20/hr

Target Optical is part of EssilorLuxottica, a global leader in the design, manufacture and ... GENERAL FUNCTION The Apprentice Optician drives profitable sales growth, attracts and retains ...

Essilor

Target Optical - Apprentice Optician

Hilliard, OH

$16.25 - $21/hr

Target Optical is part of EssilorLuxottica, a global leader in the design, manufacture and ... GENERAL FUNCTION The Apprentice Optician drives profitable sales growth, attracts and retains ...

Essilor

Target Optical - Apprentice Optician

Clifton, NJ

$17.75 - $23/hr

Target Optical is part of EssilorLuxottica, a global leader in the design, manufacture and ... GENERAL FUNCTION The Apprentice Optician drives profitable sales growth, attracts and retains ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOptical Apprentice Jobs

Optical Apprentice information

See salary details

$12

$22

$37

How much do optical apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical apprentice in the United States is $22.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is becoming an optician hard?

Becoming an optician typically requires completing a certification or training program and gaining practical experience, which can take several months to a year. The job involves learning about optical products, customer service, and sometimes passing a licensing exam, making it accessible with proper training and dedication.

What is the difference between Optical Apprentice vs Optical Technician?

AspectOptical ApprenticeOptical Technician
Required CredentialsOn-the-job training, sometimes certification programsCertification or associate degree in optical technology
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supervised settings in optical stores or labsMore independent work in labs or retail settings
Employer & Industry UsageOptical stores, eye clinics, retail optical chainsOptical labs, manufacturing, retail optical stores

Optical Apprentices typically undergo on-the-job training and may have certification programs, working under supervision. Optical Technicians usually have formal education or certification, performing more independent technical tasks. Both roles are common in optical retail and lab environments, but technicians often have more advanced skills and responsibilities.

What is the highest paid apprenticeship job?

The highest paid apprenticeships often include roles such as electrical, plumbing, or HVAC apprenticeships, which can lead to high-paying skilled trades careers. Some specialized technical apprenticeships in fields like engineering or information technology also offer competitive wages, especially with certifications and experience.

What are some typical responsibilities and learning opportunities for an Optical Apprentice during their first year?

As an Optical Apprentice, your first year will typically involve hands-on training in customer service, frame selection, and basic lens fitting under the supervision of licensed opticians. You’ll learn how to interpret prescriptions, adjust and repair eyewear, and understand lens materials and coatings. Apprentices are often exposed to both front-of-house retail duties and behind-the-scenes lab work, which provides a well-rounded introduction to the optical field. Collaboration with experienced opticians and other healthcare professionals is common, offering mentorship and a path toward certification or licensure as your skills grow.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optical Apprentice, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of optical principles, strong attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with lens fitting equipment, optical measurement tools, and practice management software is typically required. Excellent communication, customer service, and teamwork skills help you build rapport with clients and support experienced opticians. These skills ensure accurate eyewear preparation, positive patient experiences, and effective collaboration in a clinical environment.

Do opticians do apprenticeships?

Opticians can pursue apprenticeships to gain practical experience while learning about eyewear fitting, lens crafting, and customer service. These apprenticeships often combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction and may lead to certification or licensing in some regions.

Can you be an optical assistant with no experience?

Optical assistants can often start with little or no prior experience, as on-the-job training is common. Basic skills in customer service, attention to detail, and familiarity with optical equipment can be helpful, but many employers provide training to new hires. Certification or coursework in optical assisting may improve job prospects but are not always required initially.

What is an Optical Apprentice?

An Optical Apprentice is an individual who is training to become a qualified optical technician or optician. They work under the supervision of experienced professionals to learn how to fit, adjust, and repair eyeglasses and contact lenses, as well as assist customers in choosing frames and lenses. The apprenticeship typically combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction, helping apprentices gain the knowledge and skills necessary for certification or licensure. This role is ideal for those interested in eye care and customer service, providing a pathway to a rewarding career in the optical industry.
More about Optical Apprentice jobs
What cities are hiring for Optical Apprentice jobs? Cities with the most Optical Apprentice job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical jobs? The most popular types of Optical jobs are:
What states have the most Optical Apprentice jobs? States with the most job openings for Optical Apprentice jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Optical Apprentice jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Apprentice jobs are:
Optical Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Apprentice job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $45,806 per year, or $22 per hour.
Target Optical - Apprentice Optician

Target Optical - Apprentice Optician

Essilor

New Britain, CT

$17 - $22/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

EssilorLuxottica rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 293 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 39 rated optical retailers

Job description

Requisition ID: 931036 
Store #: 001948 Target Optical 
Position:Part-Time
Total Rewards: Benefits/Incentive Information

At Target Optical, we love the neighborhoods we belong to and that's why we care for them. By listening and building relationships with one another, we help our guests get quality eye care products and services at a great value. We help people see more clearly and confidently for less by offering a great selection of trusted brands. Through the relationships we build, we're proud and excited to help people look their best by carrying fashionable frames at a great value.

Together, we're on a mission to change the way people think about vision care. We keep things real, keep focused on people and keep to our mission to bring a WOW! experience to your life, our guests' lives and communities. See your future with Target Optical.

Target Optical  is part of EssilorLuxottica, a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of world-class vision care products, including iconic eyewear, advanced lens technology and cutting-edge digital solutions. Join our global community of over 200,000 dedicated employees around the world in driving the transformation of the eyewear and eyecare industry. Discover more by following us on LinkedIn!

GENERAL FUNCTION

The Apprentice Optician drives profitable sales growth, attracts and retains guests for life by delivering exceptional Guest service.  This is accomplished through development of a positive and productive retail-selling environment that ensures premier Guest Service, Guest retention, as well as outstanding Optical Team/Doctor satisfaction.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Drives profitable store sales by fostering a retail selling culture by practicing and role-playing effective retail sales skills.
  • Develops professional business relationships with other Team Members.
  • Verifies visual acuity.
  • Analyzes and interprets prescriptions and lens design.
  • Measures pupillary distances, bifocal, trifocal and progressive placement.
  • Selects and measures frame for facial contour, eye size, bridge size and temple length.
  • Fits and adjusts eyewear to the face and eyes.
  • Dispenses contact lenses.
  • Fills ophthalmic eyeglass prescriptions and fits and adapts lenses and frames, utilizing optical prescription, within the guidelines established by the state.
  • Ensures high quality/timely product manufacturing/fabrication.
  • Dispenses quality product, within the guidelines established by the state.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

  • High School Degree or equivalent
  • Actively enrolled in a state approved Optician Apprentice program
  • 2+ years in retail or customer service position
  • Basic computer skills
  • Independent and self-motivated
  • Ability to grow sales through sales skills
  • Enthusiastic and concise communication
  • Attention to detail

    

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Associates Degree

Pay Range:   - 23.95 

This posting is for an existing vacancy within our business. Employee pay is determined by multiple factors, including geography, experience, qualifications, skills and local minimum wage requirements. In addition, you may also be offered a competitive bonus and/or commission plan, which complements a first-class total rewards package. Benefits may include health care, retirement savings, paid time off/vacation, and various employee discounts.

EssilorLuxottica complies with all applicable laws related to the application and hiring process. If you would like to provide feedback regarding an active job posting, or if you are an individual with a disability who would like to request a reasonable accommodation, please call the EssilorLuxottica SpeakUp Hotline at 844-303-0229 (be sure to provide your name, job id number, and contact information so that we may follow up in a timely manner) or email HRCompliance@luxotticaretail.com.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, national origin, social origin, social condition, being perceived as a victim of domestic violence, sexual aggression or stalking, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, ancestry, veteran or military status, marital status, pregnancy (including unlawful discrimination on the basis of a legally protected pregnancy or maternity leave), genetic information or any other characteristics protected by law. Native Americans in the US receive preference in accordance with Tribal Law.

What EssilorLuxottica employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply