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Optical Lab Tech Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Shopko Optical

Optical Sales Associate

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$16 - $19.75/hr

It all starts in our centers, where our dedicated team members combine state-of-the-art technology ... Prepare work orders for Optical Lab. Process medical billing information. Maintain frame inventory.

Shopko Optical

PT Optical Sales Associate

Tooele, UT · On-site

$15 - $18.50/hr

It all starts in our centers, where our dedicated team members combine state-of-the-art technology ... Prepare work orders for Optical Lab. Process medical billing information. Maintain frame inventory.

Shopko Optical

Optical Sales Associate

Saint Cloud, MN · On-site

$16 - $22.40/hr

... technology, exceptional eye care, and hometown Midwestern values to deliver high-quality products ... Prepare work orders for Optical Lab. Process medical billing information. Maintain frame inventory.

Shopko Optical

Optical Sales Associate

Kenosha, WI · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

It all starts in our centers, where our dedicated team members combine state-of-the-art technology ... Prepare work orders for Optical Lab. Process medical billing information. Maintain frame inventory.

Shopko Optical

Optical Sales Associate

Fond Du Lac, WI · On-site

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

It all starts in our centers, where our dedicated team members combine state-of-the-art technology ... Prepare work orders for Optical Lab. Process medical billing information. Maintain frame inventory.

Shopko Optical

Optical Sales Associate

Sun Prairie, WI · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

It all starts in our centers, where our dedicated team members combine state-of-the-art technology ... Prepare work orders for Optical Lab. Process medical billing information. Maintain frame inventory.

Shopko Optical

PT Optical Sales Associate

Lewiston, ID · On-site

$16 - $19.75/hr

It all starts in our centers, where our dedicated team members combine state-of-the-art technology ... Prepare work orders for Optical Lab. Process medical billing information. Maintain frame inventory.

Shopko Optical

Optical Sales Associate

Wausaukee, WI · On-site

$14.25 - $17.75/hr

It all starts in our centers, where our dedicated team members combine state-of-the-art technology ... Prepare work orders for Optical Lab. Process medical billing information. Maintain frame inventory.

Shopko Optical

Optical Sales Associate

Merrill, WI · On-site

$17.25 - $21.50/hr

It all starts in our centers, where our dedicated team members combine state-of-the-art technology ... Prepare work orders for Optical Lab. Process medical billing information. Maintain frame inventory.

Shopko Optical

PT Optical Sales Associate

Hudson, WI · On-site

$16.50 - $20.50/hr

It all starts in our centers, where our dedicated team members combine state-of-the-art technology ... Prepare work orders for Optical Lab. Process medical billing information. Maintain frame inventory.

Shopko Optical

Optical Sales Associate

Bismarck, ND · On-site

$16 - $19.75/hr

It all starts in our centers, where our dedicated team members combine state-of-the-art technology ... Prepare work orders for Optical Lab. Process medical billing information. Maintain frame inventory.

Shopko Optical

Optical Sales Associate

Kenosha, WI · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

It all starts in our centers, where our dedicated team members combine state-of-the-art technology ... Prepare work orders for Optical Lab. Process medical billing information. Maintain frame inventory.

Shopko Optical

Optical Sales Associate

Fond Du Lac, WI · On-site

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

It all starts in our centers, where our dedicated team members combine state-of-the-art technology ... Prepare work orders for Optical Lab. Process medical billing information. Maintain frame inventory.

Shopko Optical

PT Optical Sales Associate

Holmen, WI · On-site

$15 - $18.50/hr

It all starts in our centers, where our dedicated team members combine state-of-the-art technology ... Prepare work orders for Optical Lab. Process medical billing information. Maintain frame inventory.

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Optical Lab Tech information

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$11

$21

$56

How much do optical lab tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical lab tech in the United States is $21.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $20.67 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.
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Cities with the most Optical Lab Tech job openings:

What states have the most Optical Lab Tech jobs?

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

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Optical Lab Tech jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Lab Tech job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 11% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,349 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Optical Retail and Lab Tech Positions Birmingham, AL

Eyemart Express

Birmingham, AL • On-site

$15 - $20.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Eyemart Express rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 40 rated optical retailers

Job description

General Interest Requisition:
30 years ago Dr. Barnes founded Eyemart Express to deliver everything a patient needs. It started with one friendly shop in Appleton, WI and has since expanded to over 245 in 42 states. Today, Eyemart Express is celebrated for promptly delivering quality eyewear at great prices, while maintaining great relationships with optometrists and local communities. We're not like everyone else, with local labs in stores, eye exams and same-day delivery on glasses � our customers never miss a moment. Now, you can join one of the nation's top optical retailers and get to improve lives by helping people see better.
Earning Potential: The earning potential for this role is competitive, inclusive of base pay and incentives.
Optical Retail Sales Associate:
As a Retail Associate, you'll guide patients in selecting eyeglass frames, lenses, and coatings tailored to their needs. You'll ensure accurate measurements and prescription information for our lab technicians, oversee the production process, and provide personalized care when dispensing glasses to patients.
Optical Lab Technician:
As an Optical Lab Technician, you'll be responsible for cutting, edging, and creating prescription lenses to ensure customers receive their new glasses in a timely manner. Your technical skills and attention to detail will contribute to our high standards of quality and service. Experience is preferred but not required, as we are willing to train the right candidate.
At Eyemart Express, we're dedicated to excellence in everything we do. We understand the importance of work-life balance and strive to be as flexible as possible with scheduling needs to ensure our team members can achieve harmony between work and personal life.
If you're ready to join a company that values excellence, invests in your future, and respects your need for balance, submit your resume today! Eyemart Express is where your career takes off.
This posting provides an overview of the role. A full job description will be provided upon hire.
VSP Vision is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to age, gender, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability or protected veteran status. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.

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