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Optical Lab Tech Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

SpaceXAI

Network Engineer - Data Center

Memphis, TN · On-site

Functional experience with multiple network vendors either in production or lab environments ... overlay technologies. * Experience with Wave Division Multiplexing (WDM) and fiber optics ...

IonQ

Senior Physicist, Quantum Memory R&D

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$126K - $181K/yr

We are pushing past the limits of classical physics and current supercomputing technology to unlock ... You will develop and mature key electrical and optical subsystems for defect-center based quantum ...

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

$55 - $75/hr

Successful fellows will define a major project within the lab's broader effort to understand ... optics experts, and data scientists to generate high-risk, high-reward experiments, first-author ...

New

Eastman

Associate Applications Scientist

Kingsport, TN · On-site

$80 - $120/hr

The company's innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world‑class technology platforms ... Support lab, pilot and scale up compounding/extrusion trials; troubleshoot processing challenges ...

Eastman

Associate Applications Scientist

Kingsport, TN · On-site

The company's innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms ... Support lab, pilot and scale up compounding/extrusion trials; troubleshoot processing challenges ...

Eastman

Associate Applications Scientist

Kingsport, TN · On-site

The company's innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms ... Support lab, pilot and scale up compounding/extrusion trials; troubleshoot processing challenges ...

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All JobsOptical Lab Tech JobsOptical Lab Tech Jobs in Tennessee

Optical Lab Tech information

See Tennessee salary details

$10

$19

$51

How much do optical lab tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical lab tech in Tennessee is $19.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $18.75 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 Tennessee?

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

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

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

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Optical Lab Tech jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Optical Lab Tech job openings:

Optical Lab Tech jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Lab Tech job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,160 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Imaging Sciences

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Memphis, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

30th of 1,065 rated hospitals

Job description

The Hillman Lab, within the newly formed Department of Imaging Sciences at St Jude Children's Research Hospital is seeking motivated post-doctoral scientists and engineers interested in the development and application of advanced optical imaging and microscopy methods.
The Hillman Lab brings together researchers from physics, engineering, and biology in a collaborative and intellectually open environment. We are driven to connect technology development with meaningful biological insights, aligning with the research and clinical missions of St Jude. Candidates with interest and expertise in the following areas will be considered:
  • Microscopy development and applications: Design, construction and application of high-speed 3D microscopy methods including our SCAPE / light-sheet approaches, two-photon, fluorescence lifetime and vibrational imaging methods.
  • Large-scale and high-throughput imaging and analysis pipelines: data acquisition and analysis to characterize cell-types and connectivity in mammalian brain in health and disease, with extensions to high-content spatial-omics analysis and digital pathology.
  • Functional brain imaging: Application of wide-field optical mapping in awake, behaving mice to study brain -behavior - movement and neurovascular relationships in health and disease. Contributions can includes novel, hypothesis-driven experimental design and data acquisition, as well as analysis and modelling of multi-dimensional datasets.

Strong candidates with novel or complementary backgrounds or skill sets are also encouraged to apply.
Trainees will be encouraged to pursue independent ideas while contributing to shared technical and scientific goals, with strong support from the broader imaging and research infrastructure at St. Jude. The position also offers access to institutional resources for career development and training within a highly collaborative research community.
As part of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the lab operates within a mission-driven research environment with a strong commitment to translating discoveries for the benefit of children. Candidates should be driven by a desire to innovate and discover, in an environment where your work can truly make a difference. Positions are available to start immediately.
St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer
No Search Firms
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.

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