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Optical Lab Tech Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Actalent

Systems Engineer

Aurora, IL · Hybrid

$70 - $85/hr

Hands-on experience in a lab environment working with test equipment and hardware integration ... Experience with HUD technology, optical systems, or cockpit display integration. * Knowledge of ...

Essilor

Team Lead

Bloomingdale, IL · On-site

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 ...

EssilorLuxottica Group

Team Lead

Bloomingdale, IL

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 ...

EssilorLuxottica

Team Lead

Bloomingdale, IL · On-site

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 ...

Aurora University

Adjunct Faculty - Physics

Aurora, IL · On-site

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 ...

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Optical Lab Tech information

See Illinois salary details

$11

$21

$54

How much do optical lab tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 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 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 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 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 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 long does it take to become an optical lab technician?

Becoming an optical lab technician typically requires completing a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by on-the-job training or a specialized certification program that can last from a few months to a year. Some employers prefer candidates with technical training or certification in optical technology, which can take additional months to complete.

Is an optical lab technician a good career?

An optical lab technician is a skilled role that involves fabricating and repairing eyeglasses and lenses, often requiring attention to detail and knowledge of optical equipment. The career offers steady employment opportunities, with potential for advancement through certifications and experience, and typically involves working in a laboratory or optical shop environment.

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 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 10% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,945 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Licensed Optician - Meta Lab Store

Channel Partners

Chicago, IL • On-site

$32 - $40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

At A Glance
The Meta Experience Optician plays a key role in building lasting client relationships, delivering luxury service, and ensuring the highest standards of optical quality. This role supports the Store Manager in driving sales performance, mentoring team members, and maintaining compliance with all optical standards.
Minimum Pay
USD $32.00/Hr.
Maximum Pay
USD $40.00/Hr.
Additional Compensation
Bonus potential
What We Offer
  • Weekly pay schedule and early wage access - get paid when you need it
  • Health and wellness benefits plans
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Paid training
  • 401(k) with employer matching
  • Referral bonus
  • Tax savings with flexible spending accounts for parking, transit, dependents, and healthcare costs
  • Opportunity to work with a growing company that actively rewards and promotes its employees

What You'll Do
  • Deliver a consistently exceptional client experience that exceeds customer satisfaction ratings
  • Cultivate long-term client relationships through personalized service and follow-up
  • Guide clients in selecting frames and lenses tailored to their lifestyle, prescription, and style preferences
  • Engage in the sale, the facilitation of sale, and dispensing of prescription and non-prescription eyewear
  • Troubleshoot and answer questions for customers
  • Adhere to applicable state laws and requirements
  • Act as liaison with customers' optometrists
  • Perform precise measurements, fittings, and adjustments to ensure flawless eyewear accuracy
  • Stay informed on the latest optical innovations, fashion trends, and product knowledge to drive engagement and sales
  • Maintain visual presentation and operational excellence across the sales floor and stock areas
  • Manage inventory with accuracy and accountability
  • Train, coach, and mentor team members to elevate performance and service standards
  • Provide expertise in prescription troubleshooting and lens technology recommendations
  • Embody Meta Labs' mission, values, and culture
  • Celebrate wins, lead by example, and inspire others
  • Strict adherence to all applicable privacy laws surrounding prescriptions and personally identifiable customer information

What You'll Bring
Experience and Education:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Must have an active American Board of Opticianry (ABO) certification
  • Ability to produce and display credentials in a conspicuous location on site
  • 2+ years of sales experience in luxury retail or premium service environments

Skills and Attributes:
  • Strong knowledge of optical theory, practices, and latest technologies
  • Proven ability to build and maintain a loyal client base
  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with a polished, professional presence
  • Results-driven with strong problem-solving skills and resourcefulness
  • Proficiency with digital tools and retail systems
  • Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays

Physical Requirements:
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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to:
  • Engage with customers while talking, standing, walking, and conducting demos of our client's product, which includes repetitive use of hands, arms, legs, and grasping
  • Frequently lift and carry up to 25 pounds
  • Occasionally lift and carry up to 50 pounds
  • Continuous hand/eye coordination and fine manipulation
  • Candidates should be able to work comfortably with a variety of lighting conditions, including occasional flashing or contrasting light patterns

Important Information
Channel Partners Solutions is an equal opportunity employer in every aspect of employment, including but not limited to; selection, training, development and promotion of the most qualified candidates and employees without regard to their race, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited by state or local law. Channel Partners is committed to equal employment opportunity in all other privileges, terms and conditions of employment that may not be covered in this statement. Channel Partners is an at-will employer.
Channel Partners is a team of experts delivering end-to-end retail, marketing, and consumer activation solutions across industries. We connect every part of the retail ecosystem to move brands forward with precision, speed, and measurable impact. Visit us at www.channelpartners.com for more information.
Channel Partners is committed to protecting applicant privacy, and any personal information submitted during the hiring process is used solely for recruitment purposes in accordance with our privacy policies and applicable data protection laws, including CCPA. We restrict access to applicant data to authorized personnel and maintain safeguards to prevent unauthorized access or misuse. Applicants may have rights under these laws-such as accessing, correcting, or requesting deletion of their information-and can contact Human Resources with any questions or to exercise these rights. To view our privacy policies, please visit Privacy Policy and California Privacy Rights. #RMCPINDEED

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