ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Optical Lab Technician Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Eyeworld Vision Center

Be Seen First

Optical Lab Technician

Saraland, AL · On-site

$15 - $25/hr

The Lab Technician will be responsible for cutting, edging, and creating prescription lenses for ... Identify and work with basic optical laboratory equipment, tools, supplies, and materials

Medical Eyeglass Center Inc

Optician - Foley, AL

Foley, AL · On-site

$14.75 - $19/hr

Build positive working relationships with providers, technicians, and administrative staff ... optical lab processes and lens types (single vision, bifocal, progressive) Experience reading ...

Magna

Quality Lab Technician

Birmingham, AL

$18.50 - $23.50/hr

The Quality Technician is responsible for their safety and well-being as well as quality, part ... Optical Profilometer Weekly on shift rotation 1st, 2nd, and 3rd (Review Schedule) Report out and ...

Magna

Quality Lab Technician

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$18.50 - $23.50/hr

The Quality Technician is responsible for their safety and well-being as well as quality, part ... Optical Profilometer Weekly on shift rotation 1st, 2nd, and 3rd (Review Schedule) • Report out ...

Gadsden Eye Associates

Optician I

Springville, AL · On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

Create work orders for lab technicians to ensure delivery of the proper lenses * Set up machines to ... Arrange and maintain displays of optical merchandise * Attend training workshops/meetings as ...

EyeSouth Partners LLC

Optician I

Springville, AL

$16 - $20.75/hr

Create work orders for lab technicians to ensure delivery of the proper lenses * Set up machines to ... Arrange and maintain displays of optical merchandise * Attend training workshops/meetings as ...

Gadsden Eye Associates

Optician I

Springville, AL · On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

Create work orders for lab technicians to ensure delivery of the proper lenses * Set up machines to ... Arrange and maintain displays of optical merchandise * Attend training workshops/meetings as ...

U.S. Navy

Electronics Technician

Pelham, AL · On-site

... lab practice; frequent troubleshooting under time pressure to restore mission critical combat ... optics, test equipment, and troubleshooting; strand training in either the Fire Controlman or ...

U.S. Navy

Electronics Technician

Alexander City, AL · On-site

... lab practice; frequent troubleshooting under time pressure to restore mission critical combat ... optics, test equipment, and troubleshooting; strand training in either the Fire Controlman or ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOptical Lab Technician JobsOptical Lab Technician Jobs in Alabama

Optical Lab Technician information

See Alabama salary details

$10

$19

$50

How much do optical lab technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical lab technician in Alabama is $19.76, 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 technician do?

An Optical Lab Technician is responsible for manufacturing, assembling, and finishing eyeglasses and other optical devices according to prescriptions provided by optometrists or ophthalmologists. Their duties include cutting, grinding, polishing, and edging lenses, as well as fitting them into frames. They use specialized machinery and tools to ensure lenses meet precise specifications and quality standards. Additionally, Optical Lab Technicians may maintain equipment, manage inventory, and perform quality checks to ensure customers receive accurate and comfortable eyewear.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an optical lab technician, and how do they contribute to the overall workflow of an optical lab?

As an Optical Lab Technician, your daily responsibilities often include cutting, edging, and fitting lenses into eyeglass frames, inspecting finished products for quality, and maintaining lab equipment. You'll also manage orders, ensure accurate lens prescriptions, and collaborate with optometrists or retail staff to meet customer needs. Your attention to detail and ability to work efficiently help ensure that the optical products meet stringent quality standards and are delivered on time, which is essential for the smooth operation of the lab and customer satisfaction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical lab technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Lab Technician, you need a strong understanding of optics, precision measurement, and lens fabrication, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with lens edging machines, lensometers, and coating equipment is typically required, along with knowledge of industry standards like ANSI. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and effective communication are crucial soft skills that contribute to accuracy and teamwork. These competencies ensure high-quality optical products, minimize errors, and support efficient lab operations.

What is the difference between Optical Lab Technician vs Optician?

AspectOptical Lab TechnicianOptician
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or equivalent; certification may enhance job prospectsRequires certification or licensing, such as NCLE or ABO certification
Work EnvironmentWorks in laboratories, handling lens cutting, edging, and assemblyWorks directly with customers in retail settings, fitting and selling eyewear
Job FocusFabricates and repairs lenses and frames based on prescriptionsAdvises patients on eyewear options and ensures proper fit

While both roles are essential in the eyewear industry, Optical Lab Technicians focus on lens fabrication and repair in labs, whereas Opticians interact directly with customers to select and fit eyewear. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the optical industry.

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, especially with certification or training, and can lead to advancement in the optical or healthcare industry.

What are popular job titles related to Optical Lab Technician jobs in AL?

For Optical Lab Technician jobs in AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Optical Lab Technician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Lab Technician job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,104 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Optical Lab Technician

Eyeworld Vision Center

Saraland, AL • On-site

$15 - $25/hr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Be Seen First

After you apply to this job, you can share why you’re interested to jump to the top of the candidate list.

Job description

The Lab Technician will be responsible for cutting, edging, and creating prescription lenses for patients will receive their new prescription glasses in a timely manner.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Identify and work with basic optical laboratory equipment, tools, supplies, and materials
  • Consistently adhere to hourly deadlines for finishing jobs
  • Correctly read and interpret prescription specifications and input into computer properly to ensure lenses are cut properly
  • Maintain the lab area and equipment in a safe and organized manner
  • Perform daily, weekly and monthly lab equipment maintenance as scheduled and in accordance with lab/equipment manual specifications
  • Understanding of and ability to add and/or subtract
  • Read and interpret prescription specifications

Experience Requirements

  • Experience working in the optical industry is preferred
  • Will train a motivated person

Skills and Abilities:

  • Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time (up to 8 hours per day per scheduled shift)
  • Ability to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to approximately 25 lbs, on rare occasions aid in moving heavy lab equipment
  • Must possess excellent hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills
  • Ability to operate basic office equipment
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
  • Ability to multi-task
  • Ability to identify and solve problems, and facilitate problem solving
  • Attention to detail
  • Time management skills - ability to prioritize and work quickly and efficiently when there are multiple customers to assist
  • Ability to deal with stressful situations
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees

Working Environment:

  • Work is performed primarily in an optical laboratory setting
  • Environment often fast-paced, deadline oriented
  • Confined space with one or more employees at any given time
  • May work alone in lab as necessary or with partner
  • Exposure to dusts, fumes, glass and/or plastic lens particulates, standard chemicals found in optical lab (some of which may be caustic), metal alloy (solid and melted), moderately high levels of noise, fluorescent lighting, cleaning agents and electrical energy
  • Will be working primarily with small manual tools (screwdriver, pliers, etc.), lenses and automated laboratory equipment

Company Description

Locally owned family-oriented optical since 1985.