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Optical Lab Manager Jobs in Palmyra, VA (NOW HIRING)

Optical Lab Manager information

See Palmyra, VA salary details

$74.9K

$80.5K

$84.8K

How much do optical lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical lab manager in Palmyra, VA is $80,537.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,200.00 and $82,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an optical lab manager do?

An Optical Lab Manager oversees the daily operations of an optical laboratory, where eyeglasses and lenses are manufactured and assembled. Their responsibilities include managing staff, ensuring quality control, maintaining equipment, and overseeing inventory. They also work closely with optometrists and opticians to ensure prescriptions are accurately fulfilled and that safety and industry standards are met. Additionally, they may handle budgeting, training, and implementing new technologies or processes to improve efficiency.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical lab manager?

To thrive as an Optical Lab Manager, you need expertise in optical sciences, lens manufacturing processes, and quality control, typically supported by experience in optical labs or a related technical degree. Familiarity with lens surfacing equipment, edging machines, and lab management software is essential, along with certifications such as ABO-NCLE or equivalent. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help manage teams and ensure workflow efficiency. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining high production standards, minimizing errors, and delivering excellent customer service in a laboratory environment.

What are some common challenges faced by optical lab managers, and how can they be addressed?

Optical Lab Managers often encounter challenges such as maintaining high-quality standards while meeting tight production deadlines and managing a diverse team of technicians. Keeping up with rapidly advancing lens technologies and equipment can also be demanding. Addressing these challenges involves implementing robust quality control systems, providing ongoing staff training, and fostering strong communication between the lab team and optometrists. Effective inventory management and staying informed about industry best practices also help ensure smooth operations.

What is the difference between Optical Lab Manager vs Optical Lab Technician?

AspectOptical Lab ManagerOptical Lab Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or equivalent; some roles prefer certifications in optical technologyHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training or certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentOversees lab operations, manages staff, and ensures quality controlPerforms lens cutting, fitting, and assembly under supervision
Industry UsageUsed in optical labs, eyewear manufacturing, and retail optical storesCommonly employed in optical labs and retail optical settings

The Optical Lab Manager focuses on overseeing lab operations, managing staff, and maintaining quality standards, while the Optical Lab Technician handles the hands-on production of lenses and eyewear. Both roles are essential in optical manufacturing but differ in responsibilities and required credentials.

What job categories do people searching Optical Lab Manager jobs in Palmyra, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Lab Manager jobs in Palmyra, VA are:

What cities near Palmyra, VA are hiring for Optical Lab Manager jobs?

Cities near Palmyra, VA with the most Optical Lab Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Optical Lab Manager job openings in Palmyra, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,537 per year, or $38.7 per hour.

Laboratory Technician, Campbell Lab, Biology

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


University Of Virginia rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

210th of 622 rated colleges and universities


Job description

The Campbell Lab of the Department of Biology is hiring a Research Laboratory Technician to conduct research into the neural control of appetite, digestion, and metabolism (please see the lab website at www.Campbell-Lab.com).
Job Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be self-motivated, attentive to detail, and capable of working under moderate supervision to assist a variety of day-to-day research activities, including (but not limited to) the following:
  • Perform mouse surgery (e.g., stereotaxic injections of viral vectors, optical fiber implantation), husbandry, and genotyping.
  • Manage a colony of mice for research, including husbandry, DNA genotyping, and maintaining records.
  • Perform issue processing for immunofluorescence, in situ hybridization, and single-cell RNA-Seq; maintaining lab supplies and equipment.
  • Provide training to undergraduate research assistants and new graduate students.
  • Responsible for laboratory documentation, and animal protocol management.

Minimum Requirements:
  • Education: Associate's degree required; may accept equivalent combination of experience, education, certification in lieu of degree.
  • Experience: 2+ years of lab experience which may include student experience.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in neuroscience, biology, or related field
  • Experience in writing and supervising protocols approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Experience in other skills aligned with the research interests of the lab, such as single-cell RNA-seq analysis, digestive and metabolic physiology, electrocardiography, etc.

Anticipated Salary Range: $19-$21/hour, commensurate with experience.
Physical Demands: This position requires spending time standing and sitting while conducting experiments or caring for animals, and fine motor control while working with sensitive electronics and conducting anatomical dissections of animal carcasses. The incumbent will work in dry and wet labs and will be required to follow regulations that are compliant with both work environments.
This position is located in Charlottesville, Virginia. This is a full-time benefited position. For more information on the benefits at UVA, visit www.hr.virginia.edu/benefits .
The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.
This is a restricted position, which is dependent on funding and is contingent upon funding availability.
This position will not sponsor applicants who require Visa sponsorship now or in the future.
Application Process:
Please apply online , and search for R0084895. Internal applicants may search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website . Complete an application online with the following documents:
  • CV/Resume
  • Cover Letter

Upload all materials into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission. Applications that do not contain all the required documents will not receive full consideration.
References will be completed via UVA's standardized process SkillSurvey. A total of five references will be requested via SkillSurvey during the final phase of the interview process. A minimum of three are required.
For information regarding the position or the application process, please contact Jessica Speth, Academic Recruiter, js9rk@virginia.edu.
Questions about the job position may be directed to Dr. Campbell at jnc4e@virginia.edu.
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .

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About University of Virginia

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The University of Virginia is distinctive among institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University sustains the ideal of developing, through education, leaders who are well-prepared to shape the future of the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

1819