ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Optical Lab Tech Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Infleqtion

Quantum Physicist (Quantum Computing)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K - $211K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a deep-tech startup, we embrace a results-driven, fast-paced, and customer-focused approach to ... Proficiency in using tools commonly found in an atomic physics lab, such as lasers, acousto-optic ...

Infleqtion

Quantum Physicist (Quantum Computing)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K - $211K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a deep-tech startup, we embrace a results-driven, fast-paced, and customer-focused approach to ... Proficiency in using tools commonly found in an atomic physics lab, such as lasers, acousto-optic ...

EssilorLuxottica Group

Team Lead

Bloomingdale, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role assists in the achievement of the practice's success by supporting key optical and lab ... Familiarity with technology, such as point-of-sale, patient record systems, and other software ...

New

Essilor

Team Lead

Bloomingdale, IL

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role assists in the achievement of the practice's success by supporting key optical and lab ... Familiarity with technology, such as point-of-sale, patient record systems, and other software ...

Posted today

Aurora University

Adjunct Faculty - Physics

Aurora, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

College of Health and Sciences - School of Natural Sciences, Technology, and Math Opening Date: 12 ... Lab II A one semester course that reinforces physics concepts of electricity, magnetism and optics ...

EssilorLuxottica

Sr Regional Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We've got a vision for pairing state-of-the-art technology with a truly personal approach to eye ... Because continuing our legacy of the highest optical standards helps us innovate the future in ...

EssilorLuxottica Group

Sr Regional Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We've got a vision for pairing state-of-the-art technology with a truly personal approach to eye ... Because continuing our legacy of the highest optical standards helps us innovate the future in ...

Essilor

Sr Regional Manager

Chicago, IL

  • Medical

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We've got a vision for pairing state-of-the-art technology with a truly personal approach to eye ... Because continuing our legacy of the highest optical standards helps us innovate the future in ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 14, 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?

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.

How much do optical lab technicians earn?

Optical lab technicians typically earn a median annual salary of around $35,000 to $45,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Salaries can increase with specialized skills, advanced equipment knowledge, and working in high-demand areas or for larger optical companies.

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.

Is optical lab technician a good career?

Optical lab technicians play a key role in manufacturing and fitting eyeglasses and contact lenses, requiring skills in precision, attention to detail, and knowledge of optical equipment. The profession offers steady employment opportunities, with potential for advancement through certifications and experience. It typically involves working in a controlled environment with standard daytime hours.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 10% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,945 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Electrical & Low Voltage Instructor Part time

Lincoln Tech

Melrose Park, IL • On-site

$26 - $35.25/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Lincoln Tech rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

260th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Lincoln Tech's Melrose Park campus is hiring Instructors for our Electronic and Electrical program - a flexible, part-time position (20-25 hours/week) perfect for experienced technicians who want to stay connected to the field while helping train the next generation. No teaching experience required. You'll sub for instructors, tutor students, and provide hands-on support Monday through Thursday (occasional Fridays), with shifts available mornings, afternoons, or evenings.
Responsibilities of a Part-time Instructor:
  • Facilitate a student-centered learning process; Organize and deliver course objectives in a clear, concise manner; maintain an orderly, controlled, engaging, and safe environment for our students in classrooms, labs and shops, on clinical or externship/internships sites (as assigned), and via the learning management system
  • Utilize approved course materials and teaching methods
  • Follow regular instructor's lesson plans in a way that ensures consistency and optimal learning, and that encourages students to participate
  • Assign classwork and homework as necessary, according to lesson plans
  • Modify teaching style to fit the learning styles of students
  • Understand and follow the compliance related responsibilities for this position
  • Communicate, support, and enforce school policies and procedures; advise students accordingly
  • Complete, in a timely and accurate manner, all required forms such as those related to attendance, grade reports, mid-term reports, student advising forms and all other assigned educational materials
  • Maintain accurate daily attendance and grades records and communicate any concerns to management
  • Earn and update required credentials related to the position in accordance with the Company's requirements for the assigned instructional position (e.g. certifications, licensing, continuing education units, or similar)

Requirements of a Part-time Instructor:
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to foster others to learn
  • Demonstrate effective presentation and interpersonal skills
  • Demonstrate proficiencies in specified teaching program
  • Always demonstrate personal, lab, and shop safety

Education, Training, and Experience
  • 3+ years' experience in any of the following:
    • as an Electrician in the Residential, Commercial, or Industrial industry
    • Low Voltage systems
    • Control systems: Motor / Access / Lighting
    • Telecommunication and Fiber Optics
  • High School diploma or GED
  • Minimum of 3 years related practical work experience in the subject area(s) taught
  • (excluding teaching experience)
  • The necessary academic credentials, certifications, licenses, and work-related experience as mandated by the state or federal government, accreditation bodies, and any other regulatory agencies that monitor compliance
  • Part-time Instructors must complete the same training and certification programs as required by the College for Full-Time Instructors
  • Be able to work a flexible schedule

Benefits:
  • 4-day work week with three-day weekends
  • Join our established and successful Skilled Trade programs with proven graduate outcomes
  • Well-equipped training facility with industry-standard equipment
  • Stability with a well-established institution (75+ years)
  • Professional development and advancement opportunities
  • Climate-controlled work environment

About Lincoln Tech:
For 80 years Lincoln Tech has been one of the nation's leading providers of career training in Healthcare, Automotive/Diesel, Skilled Trades, and Information Technology. We're committed to preparing students for in-demand careers through hands-on, skills-focused education.
Lincoln Tech is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Email: careers@lincolntech.edu
Website: www.lincolntech.edu/careers

What Lincoln Tech employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Lincoln Tech logo

About Lincoln Tech

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

For over 75 years Lincoln Tech has been one of the nation's leading providers of career training in Healthcare, Automotive/Diesel, Skilled Trades, Information Technology, Cosmetology, and Culinary Arts

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Parsippany, NJ, US

Year founded

1946

View All Lincoln Tech Jobs

Apply