ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Optical Apprentice Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

Kurt J Lesker

Machine Apprentice

Jefferson Hills, PA · On-site

$16 - $20.50/hr

Join our state-certified , 4-year apprenticeship program in a cutting-edge , climate-controlled ... and optical. With more than 70 years of innovation, we offer employees the opportunity to ...

Kurt J Lesker Company

Machine Apprentice

Clairton, PA · On-site

$16 - $20.50/hr

Join our state-certified , 4-year apprenticeship program in a cutting-edge , climate-controlled ... and optical. With more than 70 years of innovation, we offer employees the opportunity to ...

Wills Eye Hospital

Optician

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$17.50 - $22.50/hr

Description Primary Function: * Under the supervision of the Director of Optical Program ... A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school; three years apprenticeship on-the-job ...

Wills Eye Hospital

Optician

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$17.50 - $22.50/hr

Description Primary Function: * Under the supervision of the Director of Optical Program ... A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school; three years apprenticeship on-the-job ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsOptical Apprentice JobsOptical Apprentice Jobs in Pennsylvania

Optical Apprentice information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$12

$22

$37

How much do optical apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical apprentice in Pennsylvania is $22.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.36 and $24.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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.

Can I do an optical apprenticeship?

Yes, an optical apprenticeship is a training program that allows individuals to learn the skills needed to become an optician or optical technician. Apprentices typically work under the supervision of licensed professionals and may need to complete specific hours or certifications depending on local regulations.

What can you do with an optical apprentice apprenticeship?

An optical apprentice apprenticeship provides hands-on training in optical retail or clinical settings, allowing individuals to learn skills such as lens fitting, frame selection, and basic eye care procedures. Apprentices often gain experience working with optical instruments, assisting licensed opticians or optometrists, and may prepare for certification or licensing exams in the field.

What does an optical apprentice do?

An optical apprentice assists licensed opticians by learning to measure, fit, and adjust eyeglasses and contact lenses. They may handle customer service, prepare eyewear, and gain skills in using optical tools and equipment under supervision. The role often involves gaining practical experience to become a licensed optician.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical jobs in Pennsylvania?

The most popular types of Optical jobs in Pennsylvania are:

What are popular job titles related to Optical Apprentice jobs in Pennsylvania?

For Optical Apprentice jobs in Pennsylvania, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optical Apprentice jobs in Pennsylvania look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Apprentice jobs in Pennsylvania are:

What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Optical Apprentice jobs?

Cities in Pennsylvania with the most Optical Apprentice job openings:

Optical Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Apprentice job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,916 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Mobile Unit Engineer Apprentice

NEP GROUP

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

NEP Group rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 78 rated media

Job description

You might not know our name, but youve probably seen our work on stage, on screen or on the field. Our technology solutions and unique Global Production Ecosystem empower content creators and rights holders to tell their stories in breakthrough ways. Weve supported some of the worlds most watched productions and live events in sports, entertainment, concerts, festivals, film, TV and more. For over 40 years our clients have trusted us to deliver live production, live events, and virtual production solutions for them, anytime, anywhere. Put simply, we bring content to life.

What You Will Do:

NEPs Mobile Unit Engineering Apprenticeship Program is a hands-on curriculum for highly talented and motivated individuals interested in gaining the experience needed to become a part of the best team of broadcast engineers in the business. The program will start you on an exciting and challenging career path that will help you learn how to set up outside broadcast units for live productions, maintain and troubleshoot broadcasting equipment and handle site logistics and coordination.

Throughout our structured, two-year program you will have the opportunity to learn our business, think and act on your feet, work in a flexible and fast-paced environment, travel to event locations and learn how NEP assembles and maintains our fleet of state-of-the-art mobile units. Graduates of our apprenticeship program are found at all levels of NEP; you will be prepared for a variety of roles to kick start your career with us. The program is divided into the following phases, the length of each can vary based on your experience and education:

  • Field Shop
  • Copper Maintenance
  • Fiber Optics
  • Systems Integration
  • Systems Support

The apprentice program is based in Pittsburgh, PA.

Requirements

  • An associates or Technical Degree in Broadcast Communications, Electronics or Engineering school is preferred

  • Strong computer skills and knowledge of networking basics

  • Ability to travel up to 100% upon graduation from the program

  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills

  • Excellent customer service and communication skills

Benefits

Check us out at https://www.nepgroup.com/career/careers

What NEP Group employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply