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Optical Lab Tech Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Licensed Optician

Venice, FL · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

... technology and unrivaled provider expertise. We are one of the nation's leading multi-specialty ... Preparing orders for lab technicians to ensure delivery of the proper lenses. * Adjusting ...

... technology and unrivaled provider expertise. We are one of the nation's leading multi-specialty ... Preparing orders for lab technicians to ensure delivery of the proper lenses. * Adjusting ...

Mechanical Engineering Intern

Lake Mary, FL · Hybrid

$16.50 - $22/hr

Exposure to cutting-edge mechanical and optical technologies * Close collaboration with experienced ... assembly, lab activities, and basic troubleshooting * Collect and analyze test data using tools ...

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Optical Lab Tech information

See Florida salary details

$8

$16

$42

How much do optical lab tech jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical lab tech in Florida is $16.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.49 and $15.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Optical Lab Tech, you need a solid understanding of optics, attention to detail, and manual dexterity, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with lens edgers, surfacing machines, and lensometry, as well as knowledge of safety standards, is typically required. Strong organizational skills, teamwork, and effective communication help you excel in this role. These skills are critical for producing high-quality eyewear efficiently and accurately, ensuring customer satisfaction and safety.

What are the most common challenges faced by Optical Lab Techs when working with prescription lenses?

Optical Lab Techs often encounter challenges such as handling high volumes of orders with varying specifications, ensuring accuracy in lens cutting and fitting, and maintaining strict quality control standards. Working with delicate materials requires attention to detail and steady hands to avoid costly mistakes. Additionally, adapting to new technologies and equipment, as well as managing communication with optometrists and retail staff, are important aspects of the role that demand flexibility and teamwork.

What does an Optical Lab Tech do?

An Optical Lab Tech, or Optical Laboratory Technician, is responsible for fabricating and assembling eyeglass lenses according to prescriptions provided by optometrists or ophthalmologists. They operate specialized machinery to cut, grind, edge, and polish lenses, ensuring accuracy and quality. Additionally, they may fit lenses into frames, perform repairs, and conduct quality checks before the finished product is delivered to customers or patients. Attention to detail and manual dexterity are essential skills in this role.

What is the difference between Optical Lab Tech vs Optician?

AspectOptical Lab TechOptician
CredentialsTypically requires technical training or certification in optical lab workRequires state licensing or certification, often with an opticianry license
Work EnvironmentWorks mainly in laboratories, fabricating lenses and optical componentsWorks in retail or clinical settings, assisting customers with eyewear selection
Employer & IndustryOptical labs, manufacturing facilitiesOptical stores, eyewear retailers, clinics
Primary FocusFabricating and processing lenses and framesFitting, adjusting, and selling eyewear to customers

While both roles are essential in the optical industry, Optical Lab Techs focus on lens fabrication and lab work, whereas Opticians primarily assist customers with eyewear fitting and sales. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the optical field.

What job categories do people searching Optical Lab Tech jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Lab Tech jobs in Florida are:
Infographic showing various Optical Lab Tech job openings in Florida as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,889 per year, or $16.3 per hour.
SWFL Eye - Licensed Optician/Optical Technician

SWFL Eye - Licensed Optician/Optical Technician

US Eye

Cape Coral, FL • On-site

$19 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


US Eye rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Licensed Optician/Optical Technician
About US Eye: US Eye, is a physician-led, patient-centric network of eye care practices committed to providing exceptional patient service through premium technology and unrivaled provider expertise. We are one of the nation's leading multi-specialty physician groups providing patients with care in ophthalmology, optometry, dermatology and facial surgery. With 50 clinics and 5 surgery centers, led by 95 providers and more than 1,000 team members system wide, we deliver world class care to patients throughout Florida, the Carolinas and Virginia.
About Southwest Florida Eye Care: Southwest Florida Eye Care is a tri-ophthalmic practice providing eye care through the expertise, experience, dedication, honesty and caring of its ophthalmologists, optometrists, opticians, technicians and other support personnel. When it comes to something as critically important as your vision, experience counts. We are proud to have been serving the Southwest Florida area since 2003.
Location: Cape Coral, Florida
Job Summary:
Licensed Opticians prepare and dispense lenses, spectacles, eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other optical devices. They are also certified to duplicate lenses accurately as to power, without prescription. Additionally, a board-certified optician qualified and operating under rules established by the board may fill, fit, adapt, or dispense any soft contact lens prescription. They may also fill, fit, or dispense any extended wear or hard contact lens prescription to the extent authorized to do so by the prescribing allopathic or osteopathic physician or optometrist.
Essential Job Functions (other duties as required)
  • Interpretation of prescriptions written by ophthalmologists and optometrists as evidenced by the prescriptions.
  • Collection of eye measurements (pupillary distance, seg height, base curve, width and thickness).
  • Helping clients select best lens and treatments options as evidenced by their needs.
  • Making proper lens material choices.
  • Helping clients select the most appropriate frame for their facial structure and Rx.
  • Trouble shoot concerns about patients' vision and eyewear as evidenced by patient needs.
  • Able to neutralize and inspect for accuracy prescription lenses with a lensometer.
  • Able to Identify wanted and unwanted prism as evidenced by the written prescription.
  • Navigate insurance websites to assist patients with the available benefits and cost associated with their plan.
  • Preparing orders for lab technicians to ensure delivery of the proper lenses.
  • Adjusting eyeglasses to ensure a proper fit.
  • Repairing broken frames.
  • Educating clients on proper eyeglass and contact lens care.
  • Keeping track of orders, prescriptions, and inventory.
  • Adherence to applicable laws, regulations and contractual obligations. Follows the principles of the Compliance Program as well as the Code of Conduct.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Competencies
  • Demonstrated ability to follow oral and written instructions.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of material, methods, instruments and equipment.
  • Demonstrated ability to read, write and perform mathematical calculations.
  • Must be able to maintain high degree of confidentiality.
  • Ability to multi-task, work in a fast paced environment and manage time accordingly in order to meet deadlines and requirements of the organization.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of progressive and other lens options available and the differences between them.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of nonglare, polarized and other lens treatments.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of material options and the differences between them.
  • Demonstrated ability to proficiently use a computer.

Supervisory Responsibilities
The position has no supervisory responsibilities.
Work Environment
The work characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Fast-paced, deadline oriented, confidential department. 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.
  • Demonstrated ability to do excessive walking, standing, bending and stooping.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, sit, use hands to handle or feel objects, tools or control, reach with hands and arms and talk or hear.
  • The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, kneel and crouch.
  • The employee may be required to lift moderately heavy objects (50-90 pounds).
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position. Days and hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 A.M. - 5:30 P.M
Travel
Travel and driving required for some locations.
Required Education and Experience
  • An associate degree in Opticianry from an accredited educational institution or completion of a three-year Florida apprenticeship program
  • Licensure in the State of Florida
  • A valid Florida driver's license
  • A history of safe driving as indicated by a driving record.
  • OR Practiced Opticianry in State outside of Florida
  • Licensed outside of Florida.

Preferred Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's Degree

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Benefits:
401(K) Company Match
Medical and Dental Insurance
Vision Benefits
Flexible Spending Accounts
Pet Insurance
Disability Insurance
Life Insurance
Continuing Education
Paid Time Off
US Eye provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

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