ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Optical Lab Tech Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

EssilorLuxottica Group

LensCrafters - Team Lead

Chicago, IL

$18.50 - $21.75/hr

Works with associates to strengthen their knowledge, skill, & certification for foundational product & store processes related to lens and lab technology * Ensures finished eyewear meets optical ...

Essilor

LensCrafters - Team Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18.50 - $21.75/hr

Works with associates to strengthen their knowledge, skill, & certification for foundational product & store processes related to lens and lab technology * Ensures finished eyewear meets optical ...

EssilorLuxottica

LensCrafters - Team Lead

Aurora, IL · On-site

$17.25 - $20.25/hr

Works with associates to strengthen their knowledge, skill, & certification for foundational product & store processes related to lens and lab technology * Ensures finished eyewear meets optical ...

EssilorLuxottica

LensCrafters - Team Lead

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$18.25 - $21.25/hr

Works with associates to strengthen their knowledge, skill, & certification for foundational product & store processes related to lens and lab technology * Ensures finished eyewear meets optical ...

EssilorLuxottica Group

LensCrafters - Team Lead

Aurora, IL

$17.75 - $20.75/hr

Works with associates to strengthen their knowledge, skill, & certification for foundational product & store processes related to lens and lab technology * Ensures finished eyewear meets optical ...

Essilor

LensCrafters - Team Lead

Aurora, IL · On-site

$17.25 - $20.25/hr

Works with associates to strengthen their knowledge, skill, & certification for foundational product & store processes related to lens and lab technology * Ensures finished eyewear meets optical ...

Essilor

LensCrafters - Team Lead

Bloomingdale, IL · On-site

$18.25 - $21.25/hr

Works with associates to strengthen their knowledge, skill, & certification for foundational product & store processes related to lens and lab technology * Ensures finished eyewear meets optical ...

EssilorLuxottica

LensCrafters - Team Lead

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$17.75 - $20.75/hr

Works with associates to strengthen their knowledge, skill, & certification for foundational product & store processes related to lens and lab technology * Ensures finished eyewear meets optical ...

EssilorLuxottica Group

LensCrafters - Team Lead

Wheaton, IL

$17.50 - $20.25/hr

Works with associates to strengthen their knowledge, skill, & certification for foundational product & store processes related to lens and lab technology * Ensures finished eyewear meets optical ...

EssilorLuxottica

LensCrafters - Team Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18.50 - $21.75/hr

Works with associates to strengthen their knowledge, skill, & certification for foundational product & store processes related to lens and lab technology * Ensures finished eyewear meets optical ...

Essilor

LensCrafters - Team Lead

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$17.75 - $20.75/hr

Works with associates to strengthen their knowledge, skill, & certification for foundational product & store processes related to lens and lab technology * Ensures finished eyewear meets optical ...

EssilorLuxottica

LensCrafters - Team Lead

Bloomingdale, IL · On-site

$18.25 - $21.25/hr

Works with associates to strengthen their knowledge, skill, & certification for foundational product & store processes related to lens and lab technology * Ensures finished eyewear meets optical ...

Essilor

LensCrafters - Team Lead

Oak Brook, IL

$18.25 - $21.25/hr

Works with associates to strengthen their knowledge, skill, & certification for foundational product & store processes related to lens and lab technology * Ensures finished eyewear meets optical ...

EssilorLuxottica Group

Oliver Peoples Optician

Chicago, IL

$17.75 - $23/hr

... lens technology and cutting-edge digital solutions. Join our global community of over 200,000 ... Develops the optical skills of others and create an effective learning environment. MAJOR DUTIES ...

Essilor

Oliver Peoples Optician

Chicago, IL

$17.75 - $23/hr

... lens technology and cutting-edge digital solutions. Join our global community of over 200,000 ... Develops the optical skills of others and create an effective learning environment. MAJOR DUTIES ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOptical Lab Tech JobsOptical Lab Tech Jobs in Illinois

Optical Lab Tech information

See Illinois salary details

$11

$21

$54

How much do optical lab tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical lab tech in Illinois is $21.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $20.05 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 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 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 Illinois? For Optical Lab Tech jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Lab Tech jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Lab Tech jobs in Illinois are:
Optical Lab Tech jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Lab Tech job openings in Illinois as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 6% As Needed, 53% Full Time, and 38% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,945 per year, or $21.1 per hour.
PT Optical Sales Associate

PT Optical Sales Associate

Shopko Optical

Round Lake Beach, IL • On-site

$17 - $23.80/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Shopko Optical rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 39 rated optical retailers

Job description

Optician Pay rate is $17.00 to $23.80 per hour

It all starts in our centers, where our dedicated team members combine state-of-the-art technology, exceptional eye care, and hometown Midwestern values to deliver high-quality products and services.

As part of this team, you will have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships in the communities we serve through a rewarding career helping improve the sight and lives of our patients.

Enjoy on-the-job training and certification opportunities.

Are you looking for an opportunity to provide great customer service and patient care and grow your career? Shopko Optical is seeking a Part-time Optical Sales Associate to join our team in Round Lake Beach, IL.

On the job training provided, no experience necessary.

Taking Care of our teams who take Care of our Patients

  • Competitive Wages & Sales Incentives
  • Competitive time off package including vacation pay, volunteer pay paid holidays, and a personal day
  • Sick Pay: Eligible teammates accrue Sick/ Safe leave per state law
  • Health & Wellbeing Benefits Medical, Life, Dental, vision, Short- & Long-term Disability
  • Voluntary/Cafeteria Offerings
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • On the Job Training & Certification
  • Teammate Recognition Program

POSITION SUMMARY:

Provide excellent patient and customer service in the selection, ordering and dispensing of eyewear. Complete pre-screening activities prior to patient exams. Prepare work orders for Optical Lab. Process medical billing information. Maintain frame inventory.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

CUSTOMER SERVICE

· Provide excellent customer and patient service according to company and Optical Center standards

· Analyze patient eyewear needs

· Recommend specific lenses, lens coatings and frames to satisfy patient needs

· Assist patients in selecting frames according to style and color. Ensure frames are coordinated with facial and eye measurements and optical prescriptions

· Order and dispense eyewear accurately and professionally

· Assist patients with proper frame repairs and adjustments

· Show patients how to insert, remove and care for their contact lenses

· Assist Optometrist with case histories and screenings

BUSINESS AND OPERATIONAL STANDARDS

· Maintain a complete knowledge of third-party plans and claims

· Explain promotions and special lens offerings to patients and customers

· Balance accounts

· Prepare work orders containing specific instructions for Optical Lab

· Process medical billing information

· Ensure proper merchandising of frame inventory

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS REQUIREMENTS:

· High School Graduate or equivalent

* Maintain license as required by state

· To become Certified, teammate must complete Shopko OCE Certification requirements and calendar modules

· Previous experience in an office and/or optical dispensing is preferred

· Able to handle multiple customer interactions/phone calls at a time

· Able to work with patient eyewear needs including analyzing prescriptions, repairs and adjustments and lifestyle dispensing

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & WORK REQUIREMENTS:

· Ability to effectively communicate at all levels within the organization through written and two-way verbal communication

· Able to read and write at a high school graduate level

· Able to sit or stand for extended periods of time

· Able to operate various office equipment (e.g., personal computer, telephone, fax machine, copier, etc.)

· Ability to lift 10 to 20 pounds

· Ability to see (Near, Distance, Color, and Depth Perception)

· Manual and finger dexterity, as well as hand/arm steadiness

· Ability to grip and hold items

· Good eye and hand coordination

· Able to operate a cash register, various optical equipment and tools

· Able to work normal and/or extended (evenings, nights, and weekends) office hours to meet established deadlines

· Able to travel independently to support Company objectives and personal development

These statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by teammates assigned to this job classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

What Shopko Optical employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom