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Optical Associate information

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How much do optical associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical associate in Tucson, AZ is $16.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.57 and $17.93 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 Tucson, AZ?

The most popular types of Optical jobs in Tucson, AZ are:

What cities near Tucson, AZ are hiring for Optical Associate jobs?

Cities near Tucson, AZ with the most Optical Associate job openings:

Optical Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Associate job openings in Tucson, AZ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,580 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Adaptive Optics Associate, Large Binocular Telescope Observatory

University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ • On-site

$15.75 - $17.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

University Of Arizona rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 68 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

367th of 627 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Adaptive Optics Associate, Large Binocular Telescope Observatory
Posting Number
req26787
Department
Large Binocular Telescope Obs
Department Website Link
https://www.lbto.org/
Location
Tucson Campus
Address
933 N Cherry Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85721 USA
Position Highlights
The Large Binocular Telescope Observatory (LBTO) is among the most powerful optical/infrared telescopes in the world, with two 8.4m-diameter mirrors on a single mount, located on the summit of Mount Graham near Safford, Arizona. The Observatory features a sophisticated suite of instruments for optical and infrared imaging and spectroscopy, supported by Adaptive Optics. The LBT is driving discoveries for cosmic sources ranging from exoplanets around nearby stars, to some of the most distant galaxies in the universe. The Observatory is operated by an international consortium of leading research institutions and functions administratively as part of the University of Arizona, with offices in Tucson.
The LBTO has been at the forefront in demonstrating innovative Adaptive Optics (AO) technologies, with its recent call for new instrument concepts attracting further cutting-edge AO proposals. The Observatory seeks an Adaptive Optics Associate to conduct nighttime operations while providing technician-level support for maintenance and enhancement of the LBTO AO systems. The incumbent is expected to grow into a technical expert on LBTO AO systems and support their seamless integration into observatory operations.
The LBTO Adaptive Optics team is actively working to enhance system robustness while boosting system performance and efficiency. Major ongoing projects include developing a spare Adaptive Secondary Mirror (ASM), upgrading ASM electronics, expanding AO automation, and building new turbulence profilers. The incumbent will have the opportunity to participate in these initiatives.
Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!
The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.
Duties & Responsibilities
  • Operate AO equipment for night-time observations with guidance from senior personnel.
  • Perform routine setup and checkout of AO systems to prepare for daytime and nighttime activities, based on established procedures.
  • Provide technician-level support in diagnosing performance issues in AO equipment and assist with on-site hardware based on supervisor instructions.
  • Contribute to operational documentation to improve AO system performance.
  • Assist in the design and implementation of new AO equipment based on supervisor direction.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Ability and willingness to work flexible hours, including night-time support and periodic weekend, holiday, or on-call shifts.

Physical/Environmental Requirements:
  • Ability to travel to the remote observatory site and work safely at an elevation of 10,500 feet.
  • Ability to perform hands-on hardware maintenance at the telescope facility, lifting/moving up to 30-50 lbs, and working within confined instrument areas.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Optics, Physics, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent advanced learning attained through experience.
  • Valid driver's license, the ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy, and the ability to travel to the remote observatory site.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Hands-on experience in astronomical instrumentation or complex optical systems.

FLSA
Exempt
Full Time/Part Time
Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week
40
Job FTE
1.0
Work Calendar
Fiscal
Job Category
Research
Benefits Eligible
Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay
DOE
Compensation Type
salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
Grade
7
Compensation Guidance
The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.
The Grade Range represents a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.
Career Stream and Level
PC1
Job Family
Research & Lab
Job Function
Research
Type of criminal background check required:
Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies
1
Target Hire Date
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates
Sam Ragland, Ph.D.
Head, Adaptive Optics Group
Research Professor, Large Binocular Telescope Observatory
sragland@lbto.org
Open Date
8/17/2026
Open Until Filled
Yes
Documents Needed to Apply
Resume and Cover Letter
Special Instructions to Applicant
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.

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