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Optical Lab Tech Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

LensCrafters - Team Lead

Mesquite, TX · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Works with associates to strengthen their knowledge, skill, & certification for foundational product & store processes related to lens and lab technology * Ensures finished eyewear meets optical ...

LensCrafters - Team Lead

Austin, TX · On-site

$17.75 - $20.75/hr

Works with associates to strengthen their knowledge, skill, & certification for foundational product & store processes related to lens and lab technology * Ensures finished eyewear meets optical ...

LensCrafters - Team Lead

Austin, TX

$17.75 - $20.75/hr

Works with associates to strengthen their knowledge, skill, & certification for foundational product & store processes related to lens and lab technology * Ensures finished eyewear meets optical ...

Optician

The Woodlands, TX

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

On-site optical lab * Excellent selection of designer eyewear * Many insurance plans accepted ... We are proud to offer the latest technology in all aspects of our eyewear, and we want all of our ...

LensCrafters - Team Lead

Austin, TX · On-site

$17.75 - $20.75/hr

Works with associates to strengthen their knowledge, skill, & certification for foundational product & store processes related to lens and lab technology * Ensures finished eyewear meets optical ...

Optician

The Woodlands, TX · On-site

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

On-site optical lab * Excellent selection of designer eyewear * Many insurance plans accepted ... We are proud to offer the latest technology in all aspects of our eyewear, and we want all of our ...

Experience selling ophthalmic finishing equipment or related lab/practice technology. Knowledge of retail optical & lab finishing workflows, equipment installation requirements, & customer ...

Eng Sr Prin - Optical

Austin, TX · On-site

$132K - $226K/yr

... for EO/IR technology * Build, align and test high power laser systems in a lab environment ... Optics, Lasers, Material Science, Physics, Optical Design * Experience with laser alignment and ...

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Optical Lab Tech information

See Texas salary details

$10

$20

$52

How much do optical lab tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical lab tech in Texas is $20.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.33 and $19.28 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 job categories do people searching Optical Lab Tech jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Lab Tech jobs in Texas are:
What cities in Texas are hiring for Optical Lab Tech jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Optical Lab Tech job openings:
Infographic showing various Optical Lab Tech job openings in Texas as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 6% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,250 per year, or $20.3 per hour.
LEAD Lab Tech - Optical Manufacturing (F/T 3-day schedule)

LEAD Lab Tech - Optical Manufacturing (F/T 3-day schedule)

National Vision

Plano, TX

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


National Vision rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 150 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 39 rated optical retailers


Job description

Company Description

National Vision is one of the largest optical retail companies in the United States with over 1,100 stores. We operate four retail brands: America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses, Eyeglass World, and Vista Opticals inside select Fred Meyer stores and on select military bases. We offer an innovative culture where training is a priority, hard work is praised, and career growth is a reality.

Our optical manufactural facility in Plano, TX is growing and expanding!  We're excited to offer new positions and the addition of another shift creates more opportunities at our lab for career growth. 

Position:  We're seeking an experienced Lead lab technician to join our team.  Prior relevant experience is necessary.

Schedules:  Our evening shifts work 3 days/week with 4 days off.  Perfect for those wanting to restructure non-work hours or minimize commutes.

2A Shift Hours:  Sundays-Tuesdays, 3:30pm - 4:00am

2B Shift Hours:  Wednesdays-Fridays, 3:30pm - 4:00am

Pay & extras:  Base pay PLUS 10% shift differential pay & extra bi-weekly bonus opportunities.  We also have a generous PTO plan and many other benefits.

Job Description

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

Experienced associate responsible for processing orders through production.  Our team lead associates are expected to proficiently perform all tasks within a department. 

The Lead assists a Supervisor with workflow, efficient utilization of personnel and department operations.  They assist with training and development of associates. 

Duties include machine operation, resolving errors, locating hot jobs, breakage and monitoring processes to meet production goals. 

Qualifications
  • No specific education required
  • Requires minimum of one (1) year of direct or related experience
  • Prior optical background with mass production experience desired
  • Must be able to read and write English

Additional Information

National Vision offers a competitive benefits package.  Some of the benefits include:

  • Generous Paid-Time-Off (PTO) policy
  • BONUS opportunities - including biweekly lab production bonus
  • 401k with company match
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Flex Spending Account
  • Vision benefits
  • Life Insurance
  • Short and Long Term Disability Insurance
  • Referral bonus program
  • Wellness Plan incentives
  • Other insurance options, employee assistance and much more

About National Vision Holdings, Inc.

National Vision Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: EYE) is one of the largest optical retail companies in the United States with over 1,100 stores in 38 states and Puerto Rico. With a mission of helping people by making quality eye care and eyewear more affordable and accessible, the company operates four retail brands: America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses, Eyeglass World, and Vista Opticals inside select Fred Meyer stores and on select military bases, and e-commerce websites, offering a variety of products and services for customers’ eye care needs. For more information, please visit www.nationalvision.com.

We are an equal opportunity employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.


What National Vision employees say

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National Vision logo

About National Vision

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At National Vision we believe everyone deserves to see their best to live their best. We help people by making quality eye care and eyewear more affordable and accessible. National Vision is one of the largest optical retail companies in the United States with over 1,300 stores in 44 states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. We operate five retail brands: America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses, Eyeglass World, Vision Centers inside select Walmart stores and Vista Optical inside Fred Meyer stores and on select military bases. We employ over 14,000 people including a network of over 2,000 optometrists. We offer an innovative culture where training is a priority, hard work is praised, and career growth is a reality.

Industry

Retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Duluth, GA, US

Year founded

1990