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Optical Lab Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Eyemart Express

Optical Lab Technician Houston, TX Area

Katy, TX · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

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 ...

Apply Early

Eyemart Express

Optical Lab Technician Houston, TX Area

Katy, TX · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

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 ...

Apply Early

Eyemart Express

Optical Lab Technician Houston, TX Area

Katy, TX · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

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 ...

Apply Early

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Optical Lab Technician information

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$11

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$56

How much do optical lab technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical lab technician 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 are some 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 type of lab tech makes the most money?

In the optical industry, senior or specialized optical lab technicians, such as those with certification or advanced skills in lens fabrication or digital surfacing, tend to earn higher salaries. Experience, certifications, and working in high-volume or specialized labs can also increase earning potential for optical lab technicians.

What does an optical lab tech do?

An optical lab technician fabricates and repairs eyeglasses and contact lenses by cutting, grinding, and polishing lenses according to prescriptions. They operate specialized equipment, ensure quality control, and may assist with fitting and adjusting eyewear. Attention to detail and knowledge of optical materials are essential for this role.

Is optical technician a good career?

Optical technicians play a key role in manufacturing and repairing eyeglasses, contact lenses, and optical instruments, often working in labs or retail settings. The career offers steady employment, requires technical skills, and may involve certifications or training programs, with job prospects influenced by healthcare and retail industry demand.

Where do ophthalmic technicians make the most money?

Ophthalmic technicians tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for specialized eye care services. Typically, urban areas and states with a strong healthcare industry offer higher wages, especially for those with certifications and experience. Salary can also vary based on employer type, certifications, and years of experience.

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.

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.
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Optical Lab Technician jobs near you
Optical Lab Technician Houston, TX Area

Optical Lab Technician Houston, TX Area

Eyemart Express

Baytown, TX • On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 15 days ago

Be an early applicant

Eyemart Express rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 39 rated optical retailers

Job description

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 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.

Earning Potential: The earning potential for this role is competitive, inclusive of base pay and incentives.

Responsibilities:

· Lab Work: 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.

Requirements:

· High School Diploma or GED

· Experience working in a lab or technical setting

· Experience working in the optical industry is preferred

· Must be able to read, comprehend, and follow technical manuals and protocols

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.

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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