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Optical Lab Tech Jobs in Louisiana (NOW HIRING)

Thorlabs

Applications Engineer II

Lafayette, LA · On-site

$93.90 - $108/hr

... based) technologies. Backed by a dedicated workforce of more than 3,000 employees worldwide ... Deep experience with a variety of optics lab equipment, including spectrum analyzers, feedback ...

Essilor

RxO - Sr Production Technician (1st Shift)

Jefferson, LA · On-site

$16 - $19.75/hr

E00649 Lab Ops - Edge JEFFN Position : Full-Time Total Rewards: Benefits/Incentive Information If ... In our dynamic environment, fueled by technology and innovation, our people have the space to ...

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Optical Lab Tech information

See Louisiana salary details

$10

$18

$48

How much do optical lab tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical lab tech in Louisiana is $18.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.17 and $17.69 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 Louisiana?

For Optical Lab Tech jobs in Louisiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optical Lab Tech jobs in Louisiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Lab Tech jobs in Louisiana are:

Optical Lab Tech jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Lab Tech job openings in Louisiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 10% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,779 per year, or $18.6 per hour.

Applications Engineer II

Thorlabs

Lafayette, LA • On-site

$93.90 - $108/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Thorlabs rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 159 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

At Thorlabs, we design and manufacture components, instruments, and systems that transform the world by identifying, enabling, and accelerating key photonics (i.e., light-based) technologies. Backed by a dedicated workforce of more than 3,000 employees worldwide, Thorlabs contributes to cutting-edge research and real-world innovation.

Whether you're early in your career or bringing years of experience, you’ll find opportunities to grow, take ownership, and make meaningful contributions from day one. We know every employee brings unique talents and perspectives that fuel our success, and we seek driven individuals who are excited to make an impact in a fun, fast-moving culture.

The Applications Engineer II role exists to translate customer needs and market insights into well-defined product requirements, primarily for our growing lab electronics portfolio, while ensuring new products deliver clear performance advantages. This position bridges engineering, sales, and customers by testing and validating prototypes, demonstrating product capabilities through demos and technical content, and capturing real-world feedback to guide continuous improvement. The role also ensures responsive, organized customer support by managing technical inquiries and maintaining accurate records, helping drive both product innovation and customer success. The position is in Lafayette, CO but will also require travel to tradeshows or to other Thorlabs locations from time to time.

  • Develop and document product requirements for new lab electronics products based on customer needs, market trends, and application insights.
  • Evaluate and benchmark prototype designs against competitive market solutions
  • Plan and execute structured testing of prototypes and translate results into actionable engineering feedback.
  • Design and build compelling product demonstrations for tradeshows, customer visits, and internal reviews.
  • Author technical whitepapers, application notes, and performance reports that clearly communicate product capabilities and advantages.
  • Gather customer feedback, application challenges, and new product ideas through direct engagement at trade shows.
  • Coordinate and deliver timely, high-quality responses to customer technical inquiries, ensuring accurate documentation in CRM systems.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, marketing, and sales to align product requirements, messaging, and go-to-market activities.
  • Maintain accurate records of customer engagements, opportunities, and technical issues within ERP/CRM tools to support business visibility.
  • Develop application and support documentation to enable effective product adoption and customer success.

The company retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

This position requires candidates to be a U.S. Person under U.S export control regulations.

Experience:
  • Minimum 3 years of experience in a similar position, or
  • Experience in a photonics laboratory environment (essential)
  • Experience building optical and electronic setups (essential)
  • Experience in a customer-facing position (desired)
Education:
  • BS, MS, or PhD in related field or equivalent work experience
Specialized Knowledge and Skills:
  • Deep experience with a variety of optics lab equipment, including spectrum analyzers, feedback electronics, lock-in-amplifiers, and digital data acquisition.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Excellent organizational skills and ability to multiplex tasks.
  • Scientific coding for instrument control desired
  • Strong problem-solving capability
  • Strong computer skills with MS Office, ERP, CRM systems
  • Ability to work well in an interactive environment.
  • Ability to manage many simultaneous requests.

The estimated pay range for this role is $93,900 - $ 108,000 annually

Thorlabs values its diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identify or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status. Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts. The organization maintains its status as an at-will employer. Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.

Thorlabs offers a complete benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance, company paid life insurance, a generous PTO package, a 401(k) plan, and tuition reimbursement just to name a few.

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