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Optical Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Attalon, Inc.

Optician I - HSPP (2nd Shift)

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$16.07 - $27.48/hr

Attalon's Murrieta site specializes in advanced optical manufacturing for critical aerospace and defense programs. Our team produces high-performance optical components and coatings that enable ...

Attalon, Inc.

Optician I - HSPP (2nd Shift)

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$16.07 - $27.48/hr

Attalon's Murrieta site specializes in advanced optical manufacturing for critical aerospace and defense programs. Our team produces high-performance optical components and coatings that enable ...

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All JobsOptical JobsOptical Assistant JobsOptical Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA

Optical Assistant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$9

$17

$21

How much do optical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical assistant in Riverside, CA is $17.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.06 and $19.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Optical Assistant vs Optical Technician?

AspectOptical AssistantOptical Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, optical assistant certificationCertification or diploma in optical technology or related field
Work EnvironmentOptical retail stores, clinicsLaboratories, manufacturing, or repair facilities
Employer & Industry UsageOptical retail chains, optometristsOptical labs, manufacturing companies
Common Search & Comparison IntentCustomer service, assisting with frame selectionLens fitting, equipment operation, technical repairs

Optical Assistants primarily focus on customer service, frame selection, and assisting optometrists, often working directly with patients. Optical Technicians handle more technical tasks like lens fitting, equipment operation, and repairs. Both roles are essential in the optical industry but differ in technical complexity and responsibilities.

What are Optical Assistants?

Optical Assistants are professionals who work in optician practices or eye care clinics, supporting optometrists and dispensing opticians. They assist customers with selecting and fitting eyewear, perform basic eye tests, and handle administrative tasks such as booking appointments and managing patient records. Optical Assistants also provide advice on lens options, frame styles, and eyewear care. Their role is essential in ensuring patients receive excellent service and the right vision solutions.

What Is an Optical Assistant?

An optical assistant is a vision care customer’s first point of contact, as you work in the retail or sales departments or optometrist’s offices. In this career, you are responsible for greeting patients and helping them select the right eyewear as well as repairing and making adjustments to the eyewear. Assistants perform duties such as fitting eyeglasses or contacts under supervision, measuring an eye or bridge of the nose, scheduling appointments, gathering important patient information, and maintaining medical files. Customer service is an important part of the job.

What are the typical daily tasks for an Optical Assistant, and how do they interact with other team members in an optometry practice?

As an Optical Assistant, your daily responsibilities include greeting patients, assisting with frame selection, taking basic eye measurements, and handling administrative duties such as booking appointments and managing patient records. You’ll work closely with optometrists, opticians, and other support staff to ensure smooth patient flow and excellent customer service. Collaboration is key, as Optical Assistants often communicate patient needs to clinical staff and help coordinate care. This role offers valuable exposure to both clinical and retail aspects of optometry, making it a great starting point for career growth within the industry.

What do you do as an optical assistant?

An optical assistant helps customers select and fit eyeglasses or contact lenses, takes measurements, and assists with frame adjustments. They often perform administrative tasks, prepare prescriptions, and support optometrists or ophthalmologists in clinical settings. Good communication skills and knowledge of optical products are important for this role.

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

To thrive as an Optical Assistant, you need a solid understanding of basic optometry, customer service, and retail sales, often supported by on-the-job training or a relevant certification. Familiarity with dispensing optical instruments, using lens measuring devices, and practice management software is typically required. Outstanding communication, attention to detail, and the ability to work well with both customers and team members distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure accurate prescription fulfillment, excellent customer experiences, and smooth optical practice operations.

Do you need qualifications to be an optical assistant?

Optical assistants typically do not require formal qualifications, but having a relevant qualification such as a Level 2 or Level 3 diploma in optical retail or ophthalmic dispensing can improve job prospects. Employers often value good communication skills, basic math, and customer service experience. On-the-job training is common for new optical assistants.

How much does an optical assistant get paid?

An optical assistant typically earns between $25,000 and $40,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced assistants or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages. The role often requires knowledge of optical equipment and customer service skills.

Do I need a degree to be an optical assistant?

Optical assistants typically do not need a degree but should have good communication skills and basic knowledge of optical products. Many employers provide on-the-job training, and relevant certifications can enhance job prospects. Formal education requirements vary by employer and location.
More about Optical Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Optical jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA? For Optical Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Optical Assistant jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Optical Assistant job openings:
Optical Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Assistant job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,262 per year, or $17.4 per hour.
Non-Licensed Optician

Non-Licensed Optician

Costco Wholesale Corporation

Moreno Valley, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Costco rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 1,904 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 39 rated national retailers

Job description


California applicants: Please click here to review the Costco Applicant Privacy Notice.
The jobs listed are examples of the typical kinds of positions that Costco may hire for when openings exist. The listing does not mean that any positions are currently open or available at Costco.
Position Summary
Assists members in choosing and ordering eyeglasses, uses computer to process orders, fits eyeglasses, and dispenses eyeglasses and contacts under the supervision of a Licensed Optician. Follows department procedures for stocking and cleaning. Provides a high level of member service.
Job Duties
  • Assists members in choosing eyeglass frames and lens options appropriate to the lens prescription, under supervision of a Licensed Optician.
  • Measures member for pupillary distance using pupilometer and observes line of sight to determine bifocal placement, under the supervision of a Licensed Optician.
  • Keys members order into computers and places special orders to outside vendors by telephone, under the supervision of a Licensed Optician.
  • Rings up orders and over-the-counter merchandise. Receives accurate payment, makes change, processes checks, credit, and debit charges according to proper procedures for paperwork, cash handling, and performance of duties.
  • Checks contact lenses and completed eyeglasses against prescription under the supervision of a Licensed Optician, prior to dispensing to members. Fits and adjusts eyeglasses to members using hand tools and frame warmer and bending with fingers.
  • Orders equipment, merchandise, and supplies by keying into the computer. Keys receipt of special orders from outside vendors. Follows safety and security procedures.
  • Stocks merchandise and supplies. Follows department procedures and standards for production, record keeping, merchandising, and product storage.
  • Cleans department by spraying, wiping, and mopping. Empties trash, operates trash compactor and cardboard baler.
  • Ensures proper cleanup and disposal of hazardous materials.
  • Ability to operate vehicles, equipment or machinery.
  • Assists with department duties as necessary.
  • Assists in other departments of the warehouse as necessary.

For additional information about pay ranges, click here.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, health benefits - medical/dental/vision/hearing aid/pharmacy/behavioral health/employee assistance, health care reimbursement account, dependent care assistance plan, short-term disability and long-term disability insurance, AD&D insurance, life insurance, 401(k), stock purchase plan to eligible employees.
Apart from any religious or disability considerations, open availability is needed to meet the needs of the business. If hired, you will be required to provide proof of authorization to work in the United States.
Job Description Posting Updated: July 2026 Job Code: 0016

What Costco employees say

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About Costco

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Costco is a membership warehouse club, dedicated to bringing our members the best possible prices on quality brand-name merchandise. With more than 800 locations worldwide, Costco provides a wide selection of merchandise, plus the convenience of specialty departments and exclusive member services, all designed to make your shopping experience a pleasurable one. Today, as the company evolves, it stays true to the qualities that helped attract and retain millions of loyal members around the globe: Commitment to quality. Costco warehouses carry about 4,000 SKUs (stock keeping units) compared to the 30,000 found at most supermarkets. By carefully choosing products based on quality, price, brand, and features, the company can offer the best value to members.

Industry

Retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Issaquah, WA, US

Year founded

1983

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