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Optical Apprentice Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Tool and Die Mold Maker

Iola, WI · On-site

$24.75 - $31.25/hr

Standard products include optical encoders, rotary switches, keypads, joysticks, displays ... Train apprentices as needed. * Maintain machines used in conformity with proper operating and ...

Tool and Die Mold Maker

Iola, WI · On-site

$24.21 - $41.51/hr

Standard products include optical encoders, rotary switches, keypads, joysticks, displays ... Train apprentices as needed. * Maintain machines used in conformity with proper operating and ...

... Optical Time Domain Reflectometer, Data Cable Wire Map Tester, Circuit/Cable Tracer and Optical ... electrical apprenticeship, and four years of experience as a journeyman electrician; or any ...

HDD Operator/Locator - CDL Preferred

Danbury, WI · On-site

$26.50 - $32.75/hr

... fiber-optic cable, copper cable, coaxial cable, single and three phase power cable and possibly ... Apprenticeship Opportunities * In-house CDL Program * Referral Bonus Program * And Much More! Push ...

HDD Operator/Locator - CDL Preferred

Pardeeville, WI · On-site

$26 - $32/hr

... fiber-optic cable, copper cable, coaxial cable, single and three phase power cable and possibly ... Apprenticeship Opportunities * In-house CDL Program * Referral Bonus Program * And Much More! Push ...

HDD Operator/Locator - CDL Preferred

Rice Lake, WI · On-site

$23.75 - $29.50/hr

... fiber-optic cable, copper cable, coaxial cable, single and three phase power cable and possibly ... Apprenticeship Opportunities * In-house CDL Program * Referral Bonus Program * And Much More! Push ...

HDD Operator/Locator - CDL Preferred

Irma, WI · On-site

$24.75 - $30.75/hr

... fiber-optic cable, copper cable, coaxial cable, single and three phase power cable and possibly ... Apprenticeship Opportunities * In-house CDL Program * Referral Bonus Program * And Much More! Push ...

HDD Operator/Locator - CDL Preferred

Wausau, WI · On-site

$26 - $32.25/hr

... fiber-optic cable, copper cable, coaxial cable, single and three phase power cable and possibly ... Apprenticeship Opportunities * In-house CDL Program * Referral Bonus Program * And Much More! Push ...

HDD Operator/Locator - CDL Preferred

Eagle River, WI · On-site

$23.25 - $28.75/hr

... fiber-optic cable, copper cable, coaxial cable, single and three phase power cable and possibly ... Apprenticeship Opportunities * In-house CDL Program * Referral Bonus Program * And Much More! Push ...

HDD Operator/Locator - CDL Preferred

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$23.75 - $29.50/hr

... fiber-optic cable, copper cable, coaxial cable, single and three phase power cable and possibly ... Apprenticeship Opportunities * In-house CDL Program * Referral Bonus Program * And Much More! Push ...

HDD Operator/Locator - CDL Preferred

Holcombe, WI · On-site

$23.75 - $29.50/hr

... fiber-optic cable, copper cable, coaxial cable, single and three phase power cable and possibly ... Apprenticeship Opportunities * In-house CDL Program * Referral Bonus Program * And Much More! Push ...

HDD Operator/Locator - CDL Preferred

Irma, WI · On-site

$24.75 - $30.75/hr

... fiber-optic cable, copper cable, coaxial cable, single and three phase power cable and possibly ... Apprenticeship Opportunities * In-house CDL Program * Referral Bonus Program * And Much More! Push ...

HDD Operator/Locator - CDL Preferred

Eau Claire, WI · On-site

$24 - $29.75/hr

... fiber-optic cable, copper cable, coaxial cable, single and three phase power cable and possibly ... Apprenticeship Opportunities * In-house CDL Program * Referral Bonus Program * And Much More! Push ...

HDD Operator/Locator - CDL Preferred

Cameron, WI · On-site

$24 - $29.50/hr

... fiber-optic cable, copper cable, coaxial cable, single and three phase power cable and possibly ... Apprenticeship Opportunities * In-house CDL Program * Referral Bonus Program * And Much More! Push ...

HDD Operator/Locator - CDL Preferred

Winter, WI · On-site

$23.25 - $28.75/hr

... fiber-optic cable, copper cable, coaxial cable, single and three phase power cable and possibly ... Apprenticeship Opportunities * In-house CDL Program * Referral Bonus Program * And Much More! Push ...

Showing results 21-40

Optical Apprentice information

See Wisconsin salary details

$12

$22

$37

How much do optical apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical apprentice in Wisconsin is $22.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.45 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 Wisconsin?

The most popular types of Optical jobs in Wisconsin are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Optical Apprentice jobs?

Cities in Wisconsin with the most Optical Apprentice job openings:

Infographic showing various Optical Apprentice job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,234 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Tool and Die Mold Maker

Grayhill Inc.

Iola, WI • On-site

$24.75 - $31.25/hr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Grayhill designs and manufactures intuitive human interface solutions that make life simpler, safer and more efficient. Standard products include optical encoders, rotary switches, keypads, joysticks, displays, touchscreens and pushbuttons. These components are sold to thousands of customers around the globe. Grayhill also incorporates these standard products into control panels to support a range of major customers in the Healthcare, Agriculture, Construction Equipment and Military markets. Our headquarters are in LaGrange, IL with manufacturing facilities located in McCook and Carpentersville IL, Iola WI and Shenzhen China. We offer opportunities for talented professionals seeking challenging careers with a proven industry leader.
Are You Ready to Grow With Us?
*Competitive Wages
*Excellent Benefits and Training
*Generous Vacation, Paid Holidays and Paid Personal Time
*Flex Time
*Clean, Air Conditioned and Well-Maintained Facilities
Hours: 2nd or 3rd shift
Location: Iola, WI Facility
Summary Analyzes specifications, lays out metal stock, sets up and operates machine tools, and fits and assembles parts to fabricate and repair metalworking dies, cutting tools, jigs and fixtures, gauges, and machinists' hand tools by performing the following duties.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
  • Study specifications such as blueprints, sketches, models, or descriptions, and visualizes product to determine materials required and machines to be used to fabricate parts.
  • Compute dimensions, plan layout, and determine assembly method and sequence of operations.
  • Measure, mark, and scribe metal stock for machining.
  • Set up and operate machine tools such as lathes, milling machine, shaper, and grinder, to machine parts, and verify conformance of machined parts to specifications.
  • May occasionally act as lead on a given tooling or mold making project, assigning work to Tool Room associates specializing in various areas of machining and bench operations.
  • Perform critical bench and assembly operations to fit, align, calibrate, adjust, assemble and finish work.
  • Perform development and experimental work as required.
  • Create fixturing and tooling for Manufacturing Engineering.
  • Monitor the work efforts of apprentices in specialized phases of work as assigned and reports progress of apprentices to Tool Room Supervisor.
  • Train apprentices as needed.
  • Maintain machines used in conformity with proper operating and maintenance procedures.
  • Examine standard or previously used dies, tools, and jigs and fixtures, and recommend design modifications regarding construction and function of part.
  • Develop specifications from general descriptions for specialty tools and draw or sketch design of product.
Education and Experience:
  • One-year certificate from college or technical school or
  • Three to six months related experience and/or training or
  • Equivalent combination of education and experience in addition to Journeyperson designation.

We value diversity and inclusion. We are an equal opportunity employer and we do not discriminate on the basis of gender, color, race, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, or national origin.
This position requires use of information or access to hardware which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee.