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Optical Industry Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Big City Optical LLC

Optician (West Loop)

Chicago, IL

$19 - $24/hr

Description Big City Optical is a leading firm in the optical industry, recognized for our innovative products and commitment to excellence. We are currently seeking an Optician to join our team and ...

Big City Optical LLC

Optician (La Grange)

La Grange, IL · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

Big City Optical is a leading firm in the optical industry, recognized for our innovative products and commitment to excellence. We are currently seeking an Optician to join our team and support the ...

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How much do optical industry jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical industry in the United States is $21.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $23.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in the optical industry, and how can they overcome them?

Professionals in the optical industry often face challenges such as keeping up with rapidly evolving technologies, meeting the diverse needs of patients or customers, and navigating complex insurance or regulatory requirements. Staying updated through regular training and industry certifications can help address technological advancements. Building strong communication skills and customer service abilities is key to understanding client needs, while collaborating closely with colleagues and insurance providers can streamline administrative tasks. These strategies can help optical professionals provide high-quality care and maintain a competitive edge in the industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the optical industry, and why are they important?

To thrive in the optical industry, you need a solid understanding of optics, lens technology, and vision science, often supported by relevant certifications or a degree in optometry or optical dispensing. Familiarity with optical instruments, lens edging machines, and practice management software is typically required. Strong customer service, attention to detail, and communication skills help professionals effectively assist clients and ensure accuracy in prescriptions. These skills and qualities are crucial for providing high-quality vision care, maintaining customer satisfaction, and supporting the technical demands of the industry.

What is the optical industry?

The optical industry encompasses businesses and professionals involved in the design, manufacture, distribution, and sale of products and services related to vision and eye care. This includes eyeglasses, contact lenses, optical instruments, and diagnostic equipment, as well as services provided by optometrists and ophthalmologists. The industry plays a crucial role in helping people maintain healthy vision and correcting vision problems through advanced technology and professional expertise.

What is the difference between Optical Industry vs Optician?

AspectOptical IndustryOptician
CredentialsVaries; includes lab technicians, sales reps, and managersCertification often required, such as NCLE or ABO
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, retail, labs, or wholesale settingsRetail optical stores, clinics, or labs
Employer & Industry UsageOptical manufacturers, retailers, labsOptical retail stores, eye care clinics

The optical industry encompasses a broad range of roles including lab technicians, sales representatives, and managers, often requiring specialized certifications. Opticians are a key part of this industry, primarily working in retail or clinical settings to fit and dispense eyewear, often holding specific certifications. While both roles are integral to eye care, opticians focus on customer service and eyewear fitting, whereas the optical industry includes various other technical and manufacturing roles.

More about Optical Industry jobs
What cities are hiring for Optical Industry jobs? Cities with the most Optical Industry job openings:
What states have the most Optical Industry jobs? States with the most job openings for Optical Industry jobs include:
Optical Industry jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Industry job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,592 per year, or $21.4 per hour.
Optician (West Loop)

Optician (West Loop)

Big City Optical LLC

Chicago, IL

$19 - $24/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Description

Big City Optical is a leading firm in the optical industry, recognized for our innovative products and commitment to excellence. We are currently seeking an Optician to join our team and support the company's mission of providing preeminent eye care in our communities.


The optician is the main point of contact for new and current patients. They work with the optometrist's recommendations to match lenses, frames and combinations therein to match the patient's vision needs. The Optician, accurately fits, measure and adjusts frame for maximum usability by the client, ensuring quality and integrity of eye ware before leaving the store



Optician Duties and Responsibilities

  • Conduct pre-examination assessments of patients
  • Work closely with the optometrist to understand and deliver on specific patient vision requirements.
  • Understand and evangelize Big City Optical's value proposition to clients
  • Assist patients in selecting frames and lenses that best suit their prescription needs and lifestyle.
  • Accurately measure and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses, ensuring a comfortable and optimal vision experience for each patient.
  • Educate patients on lens options, including features and benefits, to help them make informed decisions.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the latest trends in eyewear and advancements in lens technology.
  • Monitor orders and update patients on any delays.
  • Conducts quality assessment of orders prior to patient pickup. 
  • Work with colleagues to manage inventory, including ordering, receiving, organizing frames and lens supplies and participating in off hours inventory count work as needed.
  • Provide excellent customer service, resolving any issues professionally.
  • Perform administrative tasks related to patient records, store operations and insurance billing.
  • Conducts follow up calls to check in on patients and proactively advise on eyecare appointment availability. 
  •  Additional responsibilities as assigned to support the overall success of the store.



Requirements

Optician Requirements and Qualifications

  • 1 year experience preferred, not required.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with an ability to engage effectively with diverse clientele.
  • Detail-oriented, with strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
  • Adhere to company policies on attendance, dress code and workplace safety.  
  • Reliable transportation and willingness to travel up to 10 miles to support coverage at other locations as needed.


Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.


Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch, climb-up or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include Close vision, Distance vision, Depth perception and Ability to adjust focus.



Pay: $19 - 24 per hour

Benefits:

  • Incentive Plan Participation
  • Company subsidized Medical Insurance
  • Company subsidized Dental insurance
  • Company paid Short Term Disability insurance
  • 401(k) with 10% match
  • Paid time off
  • Employee discount plan


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