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Optical Lab Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Dispensing Optician

Oakland, CA · On-site

$22 - $25.50/hr

... Lab Technician (google map) Optical department is seeking an experienced Dispenser and/or Lab Technician for full time employment at the East Bay locations. Candidate must have a minimum of 2 years ...

... Lab Technician (google map) Optical department is seeking an experienced Dispenser and/or Lab Technician for full time employment at the East Bay locations. Candidate must have a minimum of 2 years ...

Dispensing Optician

Oakland, CA · On-site

$22 - $25.50/hr

... Lab Technician (google map) Optical department is seeking an experienced Dispenser and/or Lab Technician for full time employment at the East Bay locations. Candidate must have a minimum of 2 years ...

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Seeking an Optical Laser Lab Technician for a long term contract (with potential to go permanent) opportunity with our client in El Segundo, CA. Seeking a collaboration-oriented, results-driven Lab ...

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Showing results 1-20

Optical Lab information

See California salary details

$11

$21

$55

How much do optical lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical lab in California is $21.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $20.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 solid understanding of lens fabrication, optical measurements, and quality control, typically supported by a high school diploma or technical training in optics. Familiarity with lens edgers, surfacing machines, and digital measurement systems is essential, and certifications from organizations like the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) can be beneficial. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and strong problem-solving skills help ensure precision and efficiency in daily tasks. These skills are critical for producing high-quality eyewear that meets both industry standards and customer needs.

What is the difference between Optical Lab vs Optical Technician?

AspectOptical LabOptical Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, training in lens fabricationHigh school diploma, certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing setting, working with lens equipmentRetail or clinical setting, assisting with eyewear fitting
Job FocusFabricating and finishing lensesAssisting with eyewear adjustments and measurements

Optical Lab and Optical Technician roles are related but distinct. The Optical Lab primarily focuses on lens fabrication and finishing in a manufacturing environment, requiring specialized skills and equipment. In contrast, Optical Technicians often work directly with customers or in retail settings, assisting with eyewear fitting and adjustments. Both roles require knowledge of optics but differ in daily tasks and work settings.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in an Optical Lab and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in an Optical Lab often encounter challenges such as maintaining precise quality control, managing high volumes of orders, and adapting to rapidly evolving lens technologies. Attention to detail is crucial, as even small errors can impact a patient's vision and satisfaction. To address these challenges, it’s important to follow strict standard operating procedures, utilize continuous training on new equipment, and foster strong communication with optometrists and sales teams to ensure accuracy and timely delivery.

What is an optical lab?

An optical lab is a specialized facility where prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other optical devices are manufactured and assembled. These labs use advanced machinery and skilled technicians to cut, grind, and coat lenses according to a patient's prescription. Optical labs also fit lenses into frames, check for quality, and ensure that each pair of glasses meets the required standards for vision correction and safety.
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Lab jobs in California? The most popular types of Optical Lab jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Optical Lab jobs? Cities in California with the most Optical Lab job openings:
Infographic showing various Optical Lab job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,756 per year, or $21.5 per hour.
Optical Sensing HW - Sensing Hardware Engineer

Optical Sensing HW - Sensing Hardware Engineer

Apple

Cupertino, CA • On-site

$126K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 18 days ago


Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 661 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 30 rated technology retailers


Job description

Apple is where individual imaginations gather together, committing to the values that lead to great work. Every new product we build, service we create, or Apple Store experience we deliver is the result of us making each other's ideas stronger. That happens because every one of us shares a belief that we can make something wonderful and share it with the world, changing lives for the better. It's the diversity of our people and their thinking that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do. When we bring everybody in, we can do the best work of our lives. Here, you'll do more than join something - you'll add something
Bring devices to life and enable them interact with users and the environment in ways never imagined before. The optical sensing team integrates optical sensors across a variety of Apple products such as iPhones, iPads and Macs. The optical sensing team is looking for someone who is a self-driven go- getter. Strong experience with optics, optical system design, and detectors is required. Join us in crafting solutions the world doesn't know of yet.
Description
You will design, develop, and launch next-generation optical sensing technologies. You will analyze data to draw conclusions, enhance product design and manufacturability, and drive failure analysis. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams-including Optical Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Reliability Engineers, Test Engineers, Process Engineers, and Software Engineers-to deliver state-of-the-art sensing solutions.","responsibilities":"Design and develop optical sensing system
Perform product simulation and data analysis using tools such as Python, MATLAB, JMP, and LightTools to define sensor requirements and support engineering validation and characterization.
Conduct failure mode analysis, root-cause diagnosis, and system-level problem-solving; execute engineering builds and drive cross-functional communication to enhance product design and manufacturability
Lead end-to-end validation of product features
Travel up to 10% as required
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with optical simulation tools (LightTools, Lumerical, COMSOL, etc.)
Experience supporting volume manufacturing, including test design, failure analysis, and statistical methods
Ability to build effective cross-functional working relationships
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong teamwork abilities and self-motivation to tackle technical challenges
Degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
Minimum Qualifications
Strong background in optical design with foundational knowledge in optical and electrical engineering
Hands-on experience with optical lab equipment (light sources, microscopes, spectrometers, detector, free space optics on optical bench etc.)
Proficiency in scripting (python, MATLAB, etc) for model development and data collection
Minimum requirement of a bachelor’s degree
Pay & Benefits
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $126,800 and $220,900, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

What Apple employees say

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976