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Optical Lab Tech Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

US Eye

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 ...

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Optical Lab Tech information

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How much do optical lab tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 25, 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 is the highest salary for a lab technician?

The highest salary for an optical lab technician can reach around $50,000 to $60,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Senior technicians with specialized skills or management responsibilities may earn higher wages. Salary ranges vary based on the employer and regional demand for optical services.

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 is the highest paying lab tech job?

The highest paying lab tech jobs are often in specialized areas such as clinical laboratory management, histology, or cytotechnology, which typically require advanced certifications and experience. These roles can offer higher salaries due to increased responsibility, technical expertise, and leadership duties within laboratory settings.

What does an optical lab technician do?

An optical lab technician fabricates and repairs eyeglasses and contact lenses by cutting, grinding, and polishing lenses according to prescriptions. They operate specialized equipment, ensure quality control, and may assist with fitting and adjusting eyewear. Attention to detail and knowledge of optical materials are essential for this role.

Do you need a degree to be an optical lab tech?

An optical lab technician typically does not need a college degree but should have a high school diploma or equivalent. Training is often provided on the job, and technical skills with optical equipment and attention to detail are important for success in this role.

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 are popular job titles related to Optical Lab Tech jobs in Florida? For Optical Lab Tech jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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:
Optical Lab Tech jobs near you
Licensed Optician

Licensed Optician

US Eye

Venice, FL • On-site

$19 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 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
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 Center for Sight: At the core of US Eye is the platform practice Center For Sight, a market-leading practice with a reputation for providing superior patient service, utilizing state-of-the-art technology, offering innovative procedures, and employing world-class physicians. Center For Sight is one of the nation’s leading multi-specialty physician groups providing care in ophthalmology, optometry, dermatology, and cosmetic facial surgery. With fourteen locations, over 40 providers and the best and brightest team members, Center For Sight is proud to be named the #1 practice in the area.

Job Description: Licensed Optician
Location: VENICE, FL, 34285
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. – 5:00 P.M (occasional 7:00 P.M in specific locations), with occasional overtime. Saturdays 8:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. in specific locations.
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

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