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Optical Lab Tech Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Bowhead

Logistics Management Specialist

Crane, IN · On-site

... the Electro-Optic Technology Division (EOTD). The individual would provide project management ... Work with lab engineers and technicians to develop lab technical manuals, training manuals, and ...

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Optical Lab Tech information

See Indiana salary details

$11

$20

$53

How much do optical lab tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical lab tech in Indiana is $20.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.62 and $19.66 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 Indiana? For Optical Lab Tech jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Lab Tech jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Lab Tech jobs in Indiana are:
Optical Lab Tech jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Lab Tech job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,153 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Postdoctoral Fellow in Bio-Photonics and optical imaging

Indiana University Academic Positions

Bloomington, IN

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Position Details
Title Postdoctoral Fellow in Bio-Photonics and optical imaging Appointment Status Non-Tenure Track Department IU Bloomington Intelligent Systems Engineering Location Bloomington Position Summary
Indiana University, Bloomington
Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering
Department of Intelligent Systems Engineering
Postdoctoral Fellow in Bio-Photonics and optical imaging (Leung Research Group)
The Leung Research Group (https://sites.google.com/view/LeungGroup) in the Department of Intelligent Systems Engineering at the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering in Bloomington, Indiana, USA, invites applications for a postdoctoral position focused on developing cutting-edge optical imaging systems using advanced light manipulation techniques for biomedical applications. Experimental expertise in advanced optical system design, structured beam generation, and characterization methods will be advantageous. Familiarity with laser pulse shaping, spatiotemporal vortex (STOV) beams and orbital angular momentum, is advantageous. The ideal start date is December 1, 2025 (negotiable).
The Leung Research Group seeks to develop novel optical methodologies in which the numerous degrees of freedom of light are fully leveraged to enhance imaging performances beyond the limits of classical approaches. Our research group is forging new frontiers in optical metrology and biomedical imaging through synergistic work performed by different teams in the lab. Our research projects combine and elevate state-of-the-art technologies including but not limited to optics, microscopy imaging, systems engineering, and biophotonics.
We are committed to providing all members of our group a collaborative, supportive, and motivating academic environment with abundant opportunities to participate in interdisciplinary active collaborations and teamwork to expand their knowledge and skillset and to exercise creativity and innovation in their research work. Your successful career development is important to us, and we will invest in the development of your leadership, mentorship, and scientific writing/publication skills, presentation skills, and grants writing skills.
Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services, and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information.
Appointment Type: Twelve-month full-time non-tenure track appointment with potential to be extended annually, subject to satisfactory performance and funding; The position is currently funded for two years.
Salary: We offer a competitive salary commensurate with experience, plus generous benefits.
Links to additional information which may be of interest:
https://luddy.indiana.edu/
https://engineering.indiana.edu/about/index.html
https://bloomington.iu.edu/index.html
https://www.visitbloomington.com/

Basic Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in one of the following or another related area is required before the position start date: physics, optical sciences, optical engineering, photonics, quantum science, biomedical engineering 
  • Ph.D. candidates about to graduate are also welcome to apply.
  • Hands-on experimental experience with developing optical systems and the use of lasers.
  • Proficiency in data processing software e.g., Python, Matlab.
  • Exhibits excellent professionalism and work ethics, initiative and self-motivation.
  • Strong ability to problem-solve and think critically.
  • Possesses good written and oral communication skills.
  • Ability to thrive in a collaborative, cross-disciplinary, fast-paced working environment.
Department Contact for Questions
Questions may be sent to: Dr. Hui Min Leung (huileung@iu.edu)
Additional Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications: 
Experiences and/or knowledge in one or more of the following will be an advantage:
  • Generation, manipulation, and characterization of spatio-temporal structured light and/or wave packets
  • Fourier domain imaging concepts
  • Use of pulsed lasers
  • Imaging science and optical microscopy
  • Basic proficiency in Zemax or equivalent
Salary and Rank Special Instructions
Applications received by October 1, 2025 will receive full consideration. However, we will continue accepting applications until the position is filled. Interested candidates should review the application requirements and apply online at:
https://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/30334
Application Materials:
1. Cover letter describing your research interests and how your background and expertise align with this position.
2. CV, including your contact information and publication list
3. Email addresses for three professional references
For Best Consideration Date 10/01/2025 Expected Start Date 12/01/2025 Posting Number IU-101305-2025

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