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Optical Apprentice Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Ansible Government Solutions

Optician

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$32.26 - $37.35/hr

Each licensed optician may supervise up to two apprentice opticians * No sponsorship available Position Pays: $32.26 - $37.35/hr All candidates must be able to: * Sit, stand, walk, lift, squat, bend ...

Ansible Government Solutions

Optician

Mather, CA · On-site

Each licensed optician may supervise up to two apprentice opticians * No sponsorship available Position Pays: $21.04 - $26.13/hr All candidates must be able to: * Sit, stand, walk, lift, squat, bend ...

Ansible Government Solutions

Optician

Fresno, CA · On-site

$28.28 - $33.37/hr

Each licensed optician may supervise up to two apprentice opticians * No sponsorship available Position Pays: $28.28 - $33.37/hr All candidates must be able to: * Sit, stand, walk, lift, squat, bend ...

SEE Eyewear

Licensed Optician, Full-Time

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$24 - $32/hr

Troubleshoot optical issues at the store level and support the team with any complex orders and/or ... Apprenticeship Completion • Current Licensed Dispensing Optician License in the state of operatio ...

National Vision

Licensed Optician

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Company Description America's Best is part of National Vision, one of the largest optical retail ... Mentor Apprentice Opticians as permitted by law. How would you like Sundays off? Yes, every Sunday ...

National Vision

Licensed Optician

Perris, CA

Company Description America's Best is part of National Vision, one of the largest optical retail ... Mentor Apprentice Opticians as permitted by law. * How would you like Sundays off? Yes, every ...

National Vision

Licensed Optician

Perris, CA · On-site

$18.50 - $26.51/hr

Company Description America's Best is part of National Vision, one of the largest optical retail ... Mentor Apprentice Opticians as permitted by law. How would you like Sundays off? Yes, every Sunday ...

America's Best

Licensed Optician

Perris, CA

Company Description America's Best is part of National Vision, one of the largest optical retail ... Mentor Apprentice Opticians as permitted by law. * How would you like Sundays off? Yes, every ...

National Vision

Licensed Optician - Part Time

Glendora, CA · On-site

$18.50 - $26.51/hr

Company Description America's Best is part of National Vision, one of the largest optical retail ... Mentor Apprentice Opticians as permitted by law. How would you like Sundays off? Yes, every Sunday ...

National Vision

Licensed Optician - Part Time

Riverside, CA · On-site

$18.50 - $26.51/hr

Company Description America's Best is part of National Vision, one of the largest optical retail ... Mentor Apprentice Opticians as permitted by law. How would you like Sundays off? Yes, every Sunday ...

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All JobsOptical Apprentice JobsOptical Apprentice Jobs in California

Optical Apprentice information

See California salary details

$12

$21

$36

How much do optical apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical apprentice in California is $21.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $23.70 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical jobs in California? The most popular types of Optical jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Apprentice jobs in California? For Optical Apprentice jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Apprentice jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Apprentice jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Optical Apprentice jobs? Cities in California with the most Optical Apprentice job openings:
Optical Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Apprentice job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $45,206 per year, or $21.7 per hour.
Optician

Optician

Ansible Government Solutions

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

$32.26 - $37.35/hr

Full-time

Vision, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Overview
Ansible Government Solutions, LLC (Ansible) is currently seeking Opticians to support operations at the VA Palo Alto Healthcare System located at 3801 Miranda Ave Palo Alto, CA 94304. The schedule is typically Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm. If you accept employment with Ansible, you must also acknowledge that any assigned schedule is subject to change at the direction of either Ansible or its customers.
Ansible is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) providing Federal customers with solutions in many arenas. Our customers face wide-ranging challenges in the fields of national security, health care, and information technology. To address these challenges, we employ intelligent and committed staff who take care of our customers' success as if it is their own.
Responsibilities
  • Provide onsite optician and dispensing services for eligible VA beneficiaries
  • Measure, fit, and dispense VA-provided eyeglasses per prescriptions written by VA Optometry/Ophthalmology providers
  • Assist Veterans with:
    • Frame selection
    • Lifestyle needs assessment
    • Pupillary distance, segment height, base curve measurements
  • Perform minor eyeglass repairs and adjustments (e.g., screws, nose pads, frame adjustments)
  • Verify prescription specifications and communicate with VA providers as needed (without altering prescriptions)
  • Document all patient interactions and services in CPRS/EHR
  • Maintain timely patient service standards (generally within 30 minutes of arrival)
  • Participate in VA quality, compliance, and reporting requirements
  • Coordinate coverage for PTO, sick leave, and absences to ensure uninterrupted clinic operations

Qualifications
  • Active, full, unrestricted Optician license in states where licensure is required OR
  • ABO (American Board of Opticianry) certification in states without licensure
  • At least one licensed optician onsite where state law requires licensure
  • Each licensed optician may supervise up to two apprentice opticians
  • No sponsorship available
Position Pays: $32.26 - $37.35/hr
All candidates must be able to:
  • Sit, stand, walk, lift, squat, bend, twist, and reach above shoulders during the work shift
  • Lift up to 50 lbs from floor to waist
  • Lift up to 20 lbs
  • Carry up to 40 lbs a reasonable distance
  • Push/pull with 30 lbs of force

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Apply