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Optical Associate Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Optical Lab Technician

Rochester, NY · On-site

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

Associate's degree or 4-8 years' experience in optics or related field. * Working knowledge of optics, optical elements and optical test set ups. * Experience using interferometers, reflectometers ...

Associate's degree or 4-8 years' experience in optics or related field. * Working knowledge of optics, optical elements and optical test set ups. * Experience using interferometers, reflectometers ...

New

Optical Lab Technician

Rochester, NY · On-site

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

Associate's degree or 4-8 years' experience in optics or related field. * Working knowledge of optics, optical elements and optical test set ups. * Experience using interferometers, reflectometers ...

Sales Associate - Optical - Part Time

NY · On-site

$16 - $19.97/hr

Company Description America's Best is part of National Vision, one of the largest optical retailers ... As a Sales Associate , you'll play a key role in delivering an exceptional experience for our ...

Associate, Optical Engineer Job Code: 43330 Job Location: Rochester, NY * Support the set-up, configuration, and documentation of hardware and software systems under test, including loading software ...

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Optical Associate information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$11

$17

$22

How much do optical associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical associate in Rochester, NY is $17.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an optical associate?

Optical Associates are professionals who assist customers in optical stores or eye care clinics. They help clients select eyeglasses or contact lenses, perform basic vision screenings, and provide information about frame styles, lens options, and insurance coverage. Optical Associates also handle administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, processing payments, and maintaining patient records. They play an important role in ensuring customers have a positive experience when purchasing eyewear and receiving eye care services.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an optical associate, and how do they collaborate with optometrists and other team members?

Optical Associates are responsible for assisting customers with frame selection, explaining lens options, fitting and adjusting eyewear, and processing sales transactions. They work closely with optometrists by preparing patients for eye exams, managing patient records, and ensuring a seamless handoff between the exam and eyewear selection. Collaboration with lab technicians and other associates is also essential to ensure timely and accurate fulfillment of eyewear orders. This team-oriented environment helps maintain a high level of customer service and operational efficiency.

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

To thrive as an Optical Associate, you need strong customer service skills, basic optical knowledge, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, lens measurement tools, and sometimes certification such as ABO-NCLE can be beneficial. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure accurate optical dispensing, positive customer experiences, and efficient workflow in a retail or clinical eye care environment.

What is the difference between Optical Associate vs Optical Technician?

AspectOptical AssociateOptical Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification may enhance prospectsHigh school diploma; specialized training or certification often required
Work EnvironmentOptical retail stores, eyewear clinics, optical departmentsLaboratories, manufacturing facilities, optical labs
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting customers, measuring for glasses, helping with frame selectionFabricating, repairing, and adjusting lenses and frames

Optical Associates typically work directly with customers in retail settings, focusing on sales and customer service, while Optical Technicians work behind the scenes in labs, handling lens fabrication and adjustments. Both roles require knowledge of eyewear and customer interaction, but differ mainly in technical versus sales responsibilities.

Is an optical associate a good career?

An optical associate is a healthcare support role that involves assisting optometrists and ophthalmologists with patient care, lens fitting, and eyewear adjustments. It can be a stable career with opportunities for certification and skill development, often requiring good customer service and technical skills. The job typically offers regular hours and a supportive work environment in retail or clinical settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical jobs in Rochester, NY?

The most popular types of Optical jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Optical Associate jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Optical Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Optical Associate job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 10% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,086 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Optical Lab Technician

Ametek

Rochester, NY • On-site

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


AMETEK rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

93rd of 161 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

At Zygo, your skills and insights will be integral to our core values of curiosity, collaboration, and persistence. For over 50 years, Zygo Corporation in Middlefield, CT, has been a global leader in designing and manufacturing advanced optical metrology systems, ultra-precise optical components, and complex electro-optical systems and assemblies. Join our team, where your expertise will drive cutting-edge solutions, address complex technical challenges, and uphold the highest standards of precision and safety.  Join our team, where your expertise will drive cutting-edge solutions, address complex technical challenges, and uphold the highest standards of precision and safety. Bring your passion and commitment to our Navitar business segment, where we are curious, collaborative, persistent, and confident, where safety and quality guide every step of our journey. Grow with us as we solve complex challenges, inspire confidence, and drive excellence in manufacturing.  

As an Optical Lab Technician at Navitar in Rochester, NYyou will be responsible for technical functions related to calibration, alignment, fabrication, assembly and modification of optical assemblies. 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Support calibration activities in all functional areas of optical testing department.
  • Provide assembly test support for production as well as first article testing.
  • Maintain records for all testing and calibration in accordance with good manufacturing practices (GMP), and ISO requirements.
  • Provide rapid turn-around support as requested for OEM test work.
  • Assist in writing procedures for test methods.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

  • Associate's degree or 4-8 years' experience in optics or related field.
  • Working knowledge of optics, optical elements and optical test set ups.
  • Experience using interferometers, reflectometers, various gauges, and instruments.
  • Strong attention to detail.

Bring your passion and commitment to Navitar, where we are curious, collaborative, persistent, and confident, where safety and quality guide every step of our journey. Grow with us as we solve complex challenges, inspire confidence, and drive excellence in manufacturing.

About Navitar:

At Navitar, your skills and insights will be integral to our core values of curiosity, collaboration, and persistence. For over 50 years, Navitar located in Rochester, NY, has been a global leader in designing and manufacturing advanced optical metrology systems, ultra-precise optical components, and complex electro-optical systems and assemblies. Join our team, where your expertise will drive cutting-edge solutions, address complex technical challenges, and uphold the highest standards of precision and safety.

Are you ready to expand the boundaries of possibility, simplify the complex, and embody the values that define our success? We welcome your unique perspective and invite you to join us!

Due to the nature of Navitar's programs and products, applicants must have the legal right to work in the US and additionally must be legally authorized to access export-controlled information and source code.


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