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Optical Apprentice Jobs in Springfield, MA (NOW HIRING)

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Optical Apprentice information

See Springfield, MA salary details

$12

$21

$37

How much do optical apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical apprentice in Springfield, MA is $21.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.21 and $23.94 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 Springfield, MA? The most popular types of Optical jobs in Springfield, MA are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Apprentice jobs in Springfield, MA? For Optical Apprentice jobs in Springfield, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Apprentice jobs in Springfield, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Apprentice jobs in Springfield, MA are:
What cities near Springfield, MA are hiring for Optical Apprentice jobs? Cities near Springfield, MA with the most Optical Apprentice job openings:
Optical Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Apprentice job openings in Springfield, MA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $45,646 per year, or $21.9 per hour.
Fiber Optic Installation Technician

Fiber Optic Installation Technician

Gateway Fiber

Chicopee, MA

$25 - $29/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Gateway Fiber rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 96 rated telecommunications companies

Job description

Job Title: Fiber Optic Installation Technician

Location: Chicopee, MA

Start Date: Immediate

About Gateway:

Gateway Fiber is seeking an outstanding individual to fill the role of Fiber Optic Installation Technician. Gateway is a rapidly growing—private equity backed—residential fiber broadband internet provider. As data requirements for residences and businesses continue to expand, Gateway is creating a leading, national fiber-to-the home platform to serve this critical unmet need in our communities. Gateway provides a faster, more reliable internet that is paired with a simple pricing model and exceptional customer service. With the support of its financial sponsor, Crosstimbers Capital Group, the company is initially investing more than $150 million to build a future proof network in Greater St. Louis and is actively developing plans to expand nationally. 

Gateway’s Beliefs About People:

Gateway believes that people want to know they are cared for both professionally and personally at work. We need a clear vision of where the company is going and how we can contribute to it. At Gateway, we look out for each other and actively find ways to help one another. We all have a role in defining the path forward towards the company's vision. We strive for a transparent environment where information is readily shared and our teams feel safe to share feedback, even if it might seem unpopular. Someone in the right role with the tools to succeed can operate autonomously to meet their objectives. Gateway's beliefs about people shape the company and the way we do business.

Expected Outcomes and Requirements:

The Fiber Optic Installation Technician is responsible for the inspection, connection, and final deployment of our fiber optic network in order to deliver our award-winning services to our customers. This position is tasked with brining the Gateway Fiber network to neighborhoods anxiously awaiting rescue from their current providers. Expect to work in a fun, fast-paced environment where your attention to detail and focus on quality results help achieve our primary mission of successful growth. A day in the life include:

  • Terminating fiber optic cables
  • Augmenting existing network installations
  • Installing fiber optic connections to homes, businesses and enterprise buildings
  • Network documentation
  • Audit & inspection of newly completed network construction
  • Repair of damaged infrastructure
  • Deployment of additional network cabinet / node sites.
  • Provide an exceptional Gateway Fiber experience to the customer
  • Avoid suspending work orders until all troubleshooting and repair options have been exhausted
  • Notify dispatch and leaders about issues inhibiting work from being completed and follow through to assist with the completion of necessary repairs

What you'll bring to the table:

  • The ability to arrive at work on time and attired in alignment with company dress code
  • The proven ability to maintain a clean and hazard free work vehicle & environment
  • Knowledge of 802.11 Wireless Networking installation & troubleshooting; preferred
  • Basic TCP/IP configuration & troubleshooting; preferred
  • Proven attention to detail and adherence to quality standards
  • Self-motivated and able to work independently
  • Eagerness to learn and grow
  • High school diploma or equivalent; required
  • Vocational school training or apprenticeship; preferred
  • Valid Class E Driver's License; required
  • Ability to stand and walk for up to eight hours per day, climbing multiple sets of stairs while carrying materials weighing 40 to 60 pounds
  • Ability to ride in a vehicle for up to four hours per day while traveling to job locations
  • Ability to work in different temperatures and changing weather conditions
  • Ability to traverse and inspect all areas of jobsite in all types of weather conditions; this may include walking, climbing, reaching, bending, crawling and stretching
  • Understanding and identification of standard construction site hazards
  • Ability to differentiate colors, shades, and brightness levels
  • Flexibility of schedule to meet changing job demands

What's in it for you?

  • Competitive salary and commission structure
  • Health Insurance, Vision and Dental Insurance, PTO
  • On-the-job training and continuing education
  • Locally owned, friendly, innovative company with high growth projections
  • Career development
  • Make a difference in the communities we serve

What Gateway Fiber employees say

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