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Optical Lab Technician Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Henry Ford Health

AR Coating Tech

Oak Park, MI · On-site

$15.25 - $20/hr

Lens Coating Technician - Henry Ford Health Job Title Lens Coating Technician About the Department As part of Henry Ford Health's Community Care Services, our Optical Lab plays a vital role in ...

US Farathane

Dimensional Lab Technician

Auburn Hills, MI

$18 - $24/hr

US Farathane is hiring for a Dimensional Lab Technician to work out of our Corporate Tech Center in ... Ability to operate various measuring equipment (CMM and, or 3D scanner and, or optical comparator)

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Optical Lab Technician information

See Michigan salary details

$10

$19

$49

How much do optical lab technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical lab technician in Michigan is $19.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.41 and $18.03 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 MI?

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

Optical Lab Technician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Lab Technician job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,526 per year, or $19 per hour.

Lead Optical Lab Technician FT Comstock Park, MI #326

Eyemart Express

Comstock Park, MI • On-site

$16 - $21.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

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

Lead Optical Lab Technician Full-Time
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 improve lives by helping people see better.
As a Lead Optical Lab Technician, you will be responsible for leading the lab team in cutting, edging, and creating prescription lenses to ensure customers receive their new glasses promptly. Your leadership skills, technical expertise, and attention to detail will be key to maintaining our high standards of quality and service.
Earning Potential: The earning potential for this role is competitive, inclusive of base pay and incentives.
Responsibilities:
  • Lab Leadership: Identify and work with basic optical laboratory equipment, tools, supplies, and materials. Consistently adhere to hourly deadlines for finishing jobs.
  • Prescription Management: Correctly read and interpret prescription specifications and input into the computer to ensure lenses are cut properly.
  • Maintenance: 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.
  • Operational Excellence: Perform multiple concurrent tasks at several different equipment stations to maintain acceptable job flow. Fill out all assigned reporting forms in a timely manner.
  • Team Collaboration: Establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees. Assist in moving heavy lab equipment when necessary.

Requirements:
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • 2-5 years of experience working in a lab or technical setting
  • Experience working in the optical industry is required

Benefits:
  • Health Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Matching 401k
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
  • Life Insurance
  • Fully paid benefits to maintain licensing requirements and opportunities for advancement

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.
For roles that are remote (i.e., Work From Home (WFH)) or hybrid (i.e., partial onsite at a VSP location and WFH), must demonstrate a high level of engagement in virtual environments, including maintaining camera presence during meetings to support effective communication and team alignment.
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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